Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area.
Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the investors remain fully within their legal rights.
“The positive aspect is the investigation into the origin of the property. As long as this issue has been raised—whether rightly or wrongly, we do not know—but has become the subject of public debate and media attention, particularly in connection with an ongoing investigation concerning the property owner, it is entirely positive for SPAK to examine the property’s ownership history. Such an investigation is welcome, and I encourage it.
On the other hand, the unfortunate aspect concerns self-appointed spokespersons who share half-truths with the public, which are often the biggest lies. The investors who currently own the property under Albanian law, having followed all procedures required by Albanian legislation, are investors with an unquestionable reputation. The financial resources used to transfer payment to the property owners have been thoroughly examined, as in all similar cases, and in this case even more rigorously, by our anti-money laundering agency.
This agency does not operate in isolation but works in coordination with international partners. The funds were found to be entirely legal and originating from financial institutions with a global reputation.
Therefore, this issue has two distinct dimensions and should be viewed separately. The investors are fully within their rights. The blocking of the transaction affecting them is entirely arbitrary and negative. At the same time, the suspension of payments to the property owner who is under suspicion is absolutely within the authority and rights of the investigative bodies.
I also consider this positive for another reason. In this case, the investment continues under its new and lawful owners. If the investigation ultimately establishes a different ownership origin, those who are legally entitled to the property can receive the corresponding compensation, ensuring that all legitimate parties are satisfied—except for anyone who may have engaged in wrongdoing, should the investigation prove that to be the case.
I would once again urge self-appointed commentators to think carefully before spreading half-truths. In this case, they are not merely harming certain investors; they are harming Albania itself. They are harming Albania because the investors involved are well-known individuals with strong reputations, and above all, one of them is a person who, for entirely different reasons, is recognized and respected by millions around the world,” the Prime Minister stated.
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