DURRËS, Albania — Prosecutors have revealed striking new details in the investigation involving former pension office director Elisabeta Mataj, alleging that she and her husband made hundreds of visits to casinos while authorities examine suspected financial misconduct linked to pension funds.
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During a court hearing to determine security measures, the prosecution presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation, including data from an official monitoring system that allegedly tracked visits to gambling establishments.
According to prosecutors, Mataj entered casinos 335 times, making her a frequent visitor to one of the gambling venues identified as "Plaza." Investigators said that in May alone, she reportedly visited the casino 27 times.
The prosecution also stated that Mataj's husband was recorded entering casinos 340 times, raising further questions as investigators examine the couple's financial activity.
Authorities are also investigating what prosecutors described as large sums of money allegedly gambled at two casinos in Tirana. Financial investigators are seeking to determine whether any of the funds originated from money linked to Albania's pension system, a key aspect of the ongoing criminal probe.
Addressing the court, Mataj did not deny visiting casinos but firmly rejected any suggestion that her private activities were connected to criminal conduct or her official duties. She argued that she was exercising her personal freedom and asked the court to identify any law or contract that prohibited her from visiting restaurants, bars, or casinos.
After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the Durrës Court partially accepted the prosecution's request. The court ruled that the arrests of the three suspects were lawful, ordering pre-trial detention for former director Elisabeta Mataj and house arrest for the two other employees involved in the case.
The court also granted the parties five days to appeal the decision before the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction in Tirana.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue examining financial records to determine whether public pension funds were misused.