Mayor Erion Veliaj has vowed to cooperate after prosecutors raided properties linked to him and his family, seizing phones and documents in an ongoing corruption probe.
The raids, led by the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH), targeted the office of Veliaj’s wife, Ajola Xoxe, her event management company, and his brother’s apartment. SPAK, Albania’s anti-corruption agency, confirmed the searches but said it was too early to reveal further details.
Veliaj’s response
Veliaj, on an official trip to Germany, took to social media to defend himself, saying, “We have nothing to hide!”
He added: “My family and I will fully respect and cooperate with the justice system, but I strongly reject the lies and disinformation being spread to harm my reputation and undermine public trust in our institutions.”
‘Smear campaign’ claims
The mayor accused political opponents and media outlets of launching smear campaigns against him, claiming they target officials who refuse to bow to their demands.
“This is part of a larger effort to discredit those of us who believe in accountability and the rule of law,” he said, positioning himself as part of a new generation of leaders unafraid of scrutiny.
While some see the investigation as politically motivated, critics say the probe could uncover deeper issues. All eyes are now on Veliaj as SPAK ramps up its anti-corruption efforts.
