TIRANA, Albania — October 20, 2026 — Former Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku appeared before the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) on Tuesday, where she was formally notified of the final charges against her in a criminal investigation involving public tenders, alleged corruption and assets.
Balluku arrived at the prosecution office accompanied by her lawyer, Ardian Kalia. According to Report TV, the meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes, while a significant police presence was observed outside the building.
Five Criminal Offenses Listed by SPAK
In its announcement dated October 20, SPAK detailed the following charges against the former senior government official:
- Violation of equality in public tenders or auctions: Allegedly committed in collaboration on nine occasions.
- Passive corruption by a person exercising public functions: Under Article 259 of the Albanian Criminal Code.
- Passive corruption involving a high-ranking state official: Under Article 260.
- Failure to declare, concealment or false declaration of assets: Allegedly committed on two occasions.
- Money laundering: Allegedly involving proceeds of criminal activity and two immovable properties.
SPAK also announced that procedural steps were continuing to notify other people involved in the same criminal proceedings. Further details are expected to be made public as the case progresses.
Public Tenders and Assets Under Investigation
The case adds to the legal scrutiny surrounding Balluku, who has previously been investigated in connection with public procurement procedures, including projects involving Tirana's Big Ring Road and the Llogara Tunnel.
In June 2026, SPAK announced that a preventive seizure had been imposed on a property it suspected was linked to alleged corruption involving an Albcontrol procurement procedure. The prosecution said investigators suspected that legal transactions had been used to conceal the property's origin and actual ownership. These remain allegations to be assessed through the legal process.
The latest announcement broadens the range of offenses for which Balluku has been formally charged and places public procurement, the declaration of wealth and suspected financial transactions at the center of the proceedings.
A Significant Development in Albania's Anti-Corruption Proceedings
The formal notification of the charges represents an important procedural development in a case involving a former high-ranking member of the Albanian government.
The allegations raise questions about public procurement procedures and the transparency expected of officials who have exercised significant public authority. The proceedings will determine whether the prosecution can establish the alleged offenses before the competent court.
Balluku is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a final court decision. The charges announced by SPAK are allegations, not a judicial finding of guilt.
Oculus News will continue to follow the case and report further developments as information becomes available.