A former Albanian environment minister, seven officials, and four businessmen have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a bribery scheme related to the construction of an incinerator in western Albania, according to court officials.
The Special Court on Corruption and Organized Crime in Tirana, Albania, handed former Environment Minister Lefter Koka a six-year, eight-month prison sentence for charges including corruption, abuse of power, and money laundering. He has also been banned from holding public office for five years. Koka, 59, who served as environment minister from 2013 to 2017 and previously held positions as a lawmaker and mayor of Durres, was accused of accepting a 3.7 million euro ($4.1 million) bribe for the Fier incinerator contract in western Albania. He plans to appeal the verdict.
Additionally, seven other officials and four businessmen involved in the concession contract for the Fier incinerator received prison sentences ranging from two to eight years on similar charges. Corruption allegations have also arisen regarding two other recently constructed incinerators in Albania, further highlighting the issue of corruption in the country.
Albania has faced longstanding challenges with corruption in its transition to democracy. In 2016, a judicial reform, supported by the United States and the European Union, established new institutions aimed at addressing corruption, including the court responsible for the recent verdict.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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