Mirsim Jella, Ferdinand Shtembari and Fiqiri Lika Jailed Over Illegal Tirana Building as IMT and IKMT Officials Face Investigation

 New developments have emerged in the investigation into a blocked residential building near Llukë Kacaj Street in Tirana, a case that has raised serious questions about construction oversight and the enforcement of building regulations.

 The Prosecution Office of the Tirana Judicial District (Prokuroria e Rrethit Gjyqësor, Tiranë) has secured detentions for three developers and is aggressively investigating state inspectors for turning a blind eye to blatant building code violations.

A court has approved the prosecution's request to place construction developers Mirsim Jella, Ferdinand Shtembari and Fiqiri Lika in pre-trial detention. Meanwhile, Adriatik Shtembari has been placed under a reporting obligation, requiring him to regularly appear before authorities, local media reports.

The decisions come as prosecutors continue to investigate officials from the Territorial Protection Inspectorate (IMT) and the National Territorial Protection Inspectorate (IKMT) to determine how a construction permit was allegedly altered without timely intervention from responsible institutions.

According to the prosecution, the original permit authorized the construction of a nine-story residential building with two underground levels. However, two additional floors were allegedly added during construction, exceeding the approved project specifications.

The case was investigated by prosecutor Elsa Kareçi, who states in the case files that construction had been ongoing for years and that the alleged violations were clearly visible on site. Despite the prolonged duration of the works, prosecutors argue that no effective action was taken by the authorities responsible for monitoring compliance with building regulations.

The investigation also references a report by the Police Oversight Agency (AMP), which questioned police inspectors from Tirana's Police Station No. 4. According to their statements, the officers insisted they had no information regarding the alleged violation of the construction permit.

Prosecutors say they have gathered substantial evidence, including contracts, technical documentation, witness testimonies and financial transactions. These materials are being used to support allegations that the project exceeded the limits established by the approved permit.

The suspects have denied any wrongdoing and continue to reject the accusations brought against them.

The investigation remains ongoing and is expected to determine not only the responsibility of the construction developers but also whether public officials tasked with supervising the project failed to act despite the apparent and long-standing nature of the alleged violations.