Albania's Special Court Orders SPAK to Open Criminal Investigation into President Bajram Begaj Over Sazan Island Decree

 

Tirana, Albania – Albania's Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has ordered the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) to register a criminal investigation following a complaint against President Bajram Begaj over his decision concerning part of Sazan Island, according to documents published by former Commander of the Albanian Armed Forces Artur Meçollari.

 The official court decision issued by Judge Atalanta Zeqiraj on July 21, 2026, overturning SPAK's refusal and ordering a criminal investigation into President Bajram Begaj regarding the 45-hectare Sazan Island decree. (Source: Document published by Artur Meçollari)

The criminal complaint alleges the offenses of "surrendering territory" and "abuse of office" under Articles 208 and 248 of Albania's Criminal Code. The complaint was reportedly filed on June 23, 2026, by an Albanian citizen, whose identity has not been disclosed.

 The official response letter issued by SPAK Head Klodjan Braho on July 8, 2026, rejecting requests to exclude prosecutor Arben Kraja and outlining the legal framework for appealing the non-initiation of criminal proceedings.

According to the complaint, President Begaj removed 45 hectares of Sazan Island from the Albanian Armed Forces' Deployment and Action Plan, clearing the way for the development of the luxury tourism project linked to American investor Jared Kushner. The complaint also targets any military or civilian officials who may have participated in the decision-making process.

SPAK initially refused to initiate criminal proceedings. On June 29, 2026, prosecutor Arben Kraja decided not to open an investigation, arguing that the complaint did not contain sufficient evidence to justify the registration of criminal proceedings.

The complainant appealed that decision before the Special Court.

On July 21, 2026, Judge Atalanta Zeqiraj of the Special Court of First Instance ruled in favor of the appeal, overturning SPAK's refusal and ordering prosecutors to officially register the criminal proceedings and carry out all investigative actions deemed necessary.

According to the court's ruling, the prosecution had failed to conduct any preliminary verification before dismissing the complaint. The court found that the case file contained only the criminal complaint and SPAK's decision not to proceed, without any documentary verification or witness interviews regarding the allegations surrounding Sazan Island.

The ruling states that only after proper verification of the facts can prosecutors determine whether the alleged actions constitute criminal offenses.

As a result of the court's decision, SPAK is now required to open the investigation and conduct the necessary investigative procedures, including collecting evidence and questioning individuals with knowledge of the case.

The court's decision may still be appealed before the Special Court of Appeal within ten days of notification. If the ruling remains in force, the investigation into the Sazan Island decree will formally proceed under SPAK's jurisdiction.