Ina Cakaj Arrested Over Alleged €600,000 Earthquake Victim Scam

 Police in Tirana have arrested 45-year-old Ina Cakaj, who is suspected of running a scam targeting families affected by Albania’s devastating 2019 earthquake. According to investigators, Cakaj allegedly took significant sums of money from families by promising to help them obtain new apartments or financial compensation through government reconstruction programs.

 Ina Cakaj, arrested in Tirana on charges including fraud, document forgery, and abuse of state office, after allegedly defrauding 2019 earthquake victims with false promises of housing and financial compensation.

The case has gained further attention following a video recording obtained by JOQ Albania, showing Cakaj speaking to several residents in the Fushë-Krujë area. In the footage, she reportedly presents herself as a “counselor” connected to a project that she claims had been established by Prime Minister Edi Rama for families still waiting to receive the keys to apartments promised after the earthquake.

According to the recording, Cakaj told residents that if they paid 2 million Albanian lekë and submitted the documents she requested, they would receive a message from the Council of Ministers within 24 hours confirming approval for the handover of their apartment keys.

She also allegedly presented herself as the person responsible for the Fushë-Krujë area and claimed that she had been tasked with identifying 20 families eligible for a project she referred to as “La Mama.”

Police investigations indicate that these claims were allegedly part of a broader fraud scheme. Investigators suspect that Cakaj portrayed herself as someone with connections and influence within Albania's state administration, creating the impression that she could intervene in official procedures related to housing and compensation for earthquake-affected families.

In exchange for the alleged intervention, she is suspected of requesting between €1,000 and €10,000 from individual victims. Investigators believe that around 30 people in the Fushë-Krujë area may have fallen victim to the scheme so far, with the financial damage estimated at approximately 60 million old lek, equivalent to around €600,000.

During the investigation, police seized documents and family certificates belonging to people who are suspected of having been involved in the scheme. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify all potential victims and establish whether other individuals may have been involved.

The procedural materials against Cakaj have been referred to prosecutors over allegations of “Fraud,” “Forgery of Documents,” and “Usurpation of Title or State Office.”

The case highlights the vulnerability of families who have spent years waiting for housing or compensation following Albania's 2019 earthquake. Promises of government apartments, compensation or accelerated administrative decisions can create fertile ground for fraud, particularly when individuals claim to have privileged access to state officials.

Authorities advise citizens to verify such claims directly with the relevant institutions and to be extremely cautious when anyone requests private payments in exchange for access to public benefits or government decisions.

The investigation against Ina Cakaj remains ongoing. As with any criminal case, the allegations against her have not been finally established by a court, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.