Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj, a key figure in Albania’s ruling Socialist Party, has been arrested on charges of passive corruption and money laundering. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated a scheme to funnel public funds through NGOs and shell companies controlled by his wife, Ajola Xoxa, who is now under house arrest. Five businessmen and a sitting MP are also under investigation. With deep political ties and a history of media intimidation, Veliaj’s downfall could signal a wider crackdown on high-level corruption in Albania.
Key Data
🔹 Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana and a top Socialist Party figure, arrested on corruption and money-laundering charges.
🔹 His wife, Ajola Xoxa, under house arrest for corruption, money laundering, and asset declaration violations.
🔹 Five businessmen linked to the scheme ordered to report to police.
🔹 Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors (SPAK) allege a scheme funneling public funds through NGOs and shell companies.
🔹 A sitting MP also under investigation for obstruction of justice.
Corruption at the Heart of Tirana’s Government?
Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime has taken a major step in dismantling high-level corruption, ordering the arrest of Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj. The case, led by the Special Prosecution (SPAK), accuses Veliaj of abusing his position to distribute public funds and construction permits to entities linked to him. These funds were allegedly funneled through a web of nonprofits and shell companies controlled by his wife, Ajola Xoxa.
SPAK claims this intricate scheme was designed to launder illicit proceeds from public funds for personal enrichment. Both Veliaj and Xoxa are suspected of passive corruption, while five businessmen involved in the scandal face reporting obligations. A member of parliament is also under investigation for attempting to obstruct justice.
Veliaj, mayor since 2015, has long been a controversial figure. His aggressive stance against the media—calling a journalist a “contract killer” for exposing corruption—has now been overshadowed by the weight of these allegations.
Call for Information
Have insights into Veliaj’s dealings? Submit your intel securely via FinTelegram!
