DURRËS, Albania — Businessman Ergys Agasi, who had been wanted by Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) in connection with the high-profile AKSHI tender investigation, has been arrested in Durrës, according to multiple Albanian media reports.
 |
| Ergys Agasi, who was wanted by SPAK in connection with the AKSHI tender investigation, photographed before his arrest in the Plepa area of Durrës. |
The arrest ends months of efforts to locate Agasi, who had been declared wanted after a SPAK investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding public tenders at Albania's National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI).
 |
| Ergys Agasi captured inside a vehicle after being detained by operational police forces in the Plepa area of Durrës. |
Ergys Agasi Arrested in Plepa, Durrës
According to reports citing journalist Klodiana Lala and other Albanian media, Agasi was located in Elbasan before traveling toward Durrës. He was subsequently intercepted in the Plepa area by police forces.
Reports also state that former police official Uljan Shpataraku was traveling in the same vehicle and was arrested alongside Agasi. The circumstances and precise details of the operation are expected to be clarified by authorities.
The State Police has also confirmed the arrest in connection with the AKSHI investigation, according to reports published after the operation.
Why Was Ergys Agasi Wanted by SPAK?
Agasi had been declared wanted following a SPAK investigation into alleged manipulation of public procurement procedures involving AKSHI.
According to reporting on the investigation, SPAK accuses Agasi and businessman Ermal Beqiri of being involved in a suspected structured criminal group allegedly operating to influence or predetermine the outcome of public tenders.
The charges reported in connection with the case include participation in a structured criminal group, illegal competition through violence, violation of equality among participants in public tenders and unlawful deprivation of liberty.
These are allegations forming part of an ongoing criminal investigation and should not be interpreted as a final finding of guilt.
The Gerond Meçe Allegations
One of the most serious elements of the investigation concerns businessman Gerond Meçe.
According to information reported during the SPAK investigation, Meçe was allegedly forced to withdraw complaints concerning several AKSHI tenders.
Investigators reportedly suspect that pressure, threats and unlawful deprivation of liberty were used to influence the procurement process and allow companies allegedly connected to people under investigation to emerge as winners.
The allegations are based on the investigative file and reported testimony and remain subject to judicial proceedings.
The Ermal Beqiri Connection
Agasi's arrest also brings renewed attention to businessman Ermal Beqiri, another central figure in the same investigation.
Beqiri was previously declared wanted in Albania and was later arrested in France following an incident involving his private aircraft near the Penly nuclear power plant.
French authorities subsequently kept him in custody while dealing with Albania's extradition request.
The two businessmen have been repeatedly linked in reporting about the AKSHI investigation, with SPAK alleging that they were part of the same suspected criminal structure.
A Major Development in the AKSHI Investigation
The arrest of Agasi represents a significant development in one of SPAK's most closely watched investigations into public procurement.
The case has also involved senior AKSHI officials. Former AKSHI director Mirlinda Karçanaj and deputy director Hava Delibashi were previously placed under house arrest in connection with the investigation.
SPAK's investigation has focused on alleged irregularities in multiple public procurement procedures and suspected relationships between businesses and officials.
Agasi's arrest could now provide investigators and prosecutors with an opportunity to advance the proceedings involving one of the main suspects who had remained at large.
The Case Is Still Ongoing
While Agasi's arrest is now confirmed by multiple reports, the judicial process is far from over.
The accusations against Agasi, Beqiri and the other individuals involved remain allegations until established by a final court decision.
For now, however, a businessman who had been one of SPAK's most prominent wanted suspects in the AKSHI case is no longer at large.
Ergys Agasi has been arrested in Durrës.
Source Context
This article is based on reporting from Albanian media, including Vizion Plus, Euronews Albania, NOA, Telegrafi and reports citing journalist Klodiana Lala. The details concerning the criminal allegations are attributed to the ongoing SPAK investigation.
Legal Disclaimer
All individuals mentioned in connection with the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court judgment. Allegations attributed to prosecutors or investigators are presented as such and do not constitute established criminal guilt.