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Police: 587 citizens arrested in October

The State Police has made a work balance sheet for the month of October for the identification and attack of illegalities, the prevention of criminal events and the capture of wanted citizens, to guarantee the rule of law, which brings order and security to the citizens. It is reported that …

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Wanted for murder, Elmir Tufa appears in court

Elmir Tufa, one of the suspected perpetrators of the murder of Shkëlzen Kastrati on February 1, 2021, has just arrived at the Fier court in the Sheqit Madh roundabout in Fier. Verification of the security measure against Tufa is expected this Sunday. Elmir Tufa was arrested this Thursday. He was …

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Operation ‘Temple’, eight arrested by Tirana police

Eight people have been arrested by the Tirana police in the continuation of the coded operation “Temple”. According to the police, these people were caught selling drugs in doses near night clubs in the capital. Kol Braçi, Orgito Idrizi, Helson Gjabri, Arjan Domi, Endrit Kotorri, Elvi Zani and two minors …

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Renown director passes away at 81

The well-known director, Vladimir Prifti, passed away this Sunday at the age of 81. Through a post on social networks, the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, declared that Albanian cinematography lost another great figure. Prifti is the director of some of the films such as “The Way of Letters”, “Who …

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Analysis: Corruption probe involving former prime minister seen as litmus test for Albania’s new justice system

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s former prime minister, Sali Berisha, is being investigated for “passive corruption” by Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with a specialized court ruling that he cannot leave the country and must present himself to court authorities twice a month. The same …

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Bank of Albania increases key interest rate, again, aiming to tackle inflation 

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s central bank supervisory council has announced another hike in Bank of Albania’s key interest rate, up by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it to a rate of 3.25 percent. Inflation has seen a declining trend in 2023, but it is still higher than what the …

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Elez Biberaj announces retirement from VoA after 43 years of service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2023 – Elez Biberaj, the prominent Albanian-American journalist, is retiring after an illustrious 43-year career at the Voice of America (VoA), according to a message he sent to colleagues.  He will continue serving as the VoA Director of the Eurasia Division until the end of year.  VoA …

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New investigation offers proof Russians owned shell company that paid for Basha’s 2017 lobbying in Washington

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – A new investigation published Thursday by Finance Uncovered in cooperation with the BBC has offered proof that Russians were behind the company that paid for lobbying in Washington that led to a brief meeting and a photo of Lulzim Basha, serving as leader of the …

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Albert Rakipi and the College of Europe: The bold idea that brought EU’s venerable institution to Albania

How a think-tanker’s vision, backed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, secured the College of Europe’s presence in Tirana. TIRANA, Oct. 26, 2023 – More than a year ago, Albert Rakipi, a prominent figure in Albania’s international relations and think tank circles, contemplated a pressing question. With the European Union …

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Albania’s removal from FATF money laundering gray list met with optimism

TIRANA, Oct. 29 – Albania’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list of countries grappling with money laundering deficiencies has garnered cautious optimism, with financial experts emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.  The decision, made by FATF, an intergovernmental organization created through a G7 initiative, has …

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Special Appeal Court for corruption and organized crime orders SPAK to investigate former mayor of Kavaja, Elvis Roshi

The Special Court ordered the Special Prosecutor’s Office to withdraw the file against Elvis Roshi, the former mayor of Kavaja, and to continue investigations for abuse of duty, reports journalist Ermal Vija. In 2017, Rroshi was accused by KLSH of two abusive tenders worth 33 million ALL, but the Durres …

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A 38 year old arrested for cultivating cannabis

One person has been put in handcuffs and another has been declared wanted in Shkodër, as part of the coded police operation “Luarza 1”. The arrested Naser Lohja and Pllumb Lohja, wanted, in the village of Liarzë, had planted cannabis sativa narcotic seeds and saplings in cubes, with the aim …

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Dialogue group for ‘reforms’ meeting, criminal amnesty is discussed

After the agreement reached between the SP and Reestablishment, the dialogue group for ‘Reforms’ will meet for the first time this Monday. ABC News reporter Esiona Konomi reports that the dialogue group has 3 members from the majority and 3 from the opposition. Meanwhile, DP of Basha has refused to …

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Allowed illegal constructions, 12 officials, police officers and owners condemned

Twelve people have been sentenced for allowing construction without a permit in Lushnje. ABC News reporter Valbona Davidhi reports that among those convicted are two chief inspectors and two inspectors of IKMT. Gjergji Mwhilli, Isa Buzi, Kudret Sulo and Xhezmi Zlali were sentenced to 4 months in prison. “We are …

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Former mayor Fran Tuci, is released from prison

The former mayor of Fushe Arrezi Fran Tuci, convicted of abuse of duty, together with his two associates Durim Margjekaj and Ndoc Marku, is released from prison. Tuci has served the sentence of 1 year and 6 months with the time spent in custody. GJKKO accepted the request of the …

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AIIS brings ‘A Concise History of Greece’ in Albanian, Tirana event launches book with author and Greek Embassy

TIRANA, March 25, 2024 – A launch event for the Albanian language edition of “A Concise History of Greece” has generated wide interest in the book, which brings a detailed overview of modern Greece’s political, economic and social developments to local readers.  The latest edition of the book by renowned …

News
Reflecting renewed emigration wave, remittances to Albania reached record high in 2023

TIRANA, March 28, 2024 – Money sent home by Albanians working abroad saw a significant increase in 2023, reaching the highest historical level since 2008, according to the latest data reported by Albania’s central bank.  Remittances were almost 930 million euros in 2023, with an 11.3 percent increase compared to …

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Albania’s sovereign credit rating upgraded by major int’l agency

TIRANA, March 26, 2024 – The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) credit rating agency, one of the three largest in the world, has upgraded Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating by one notch, pushing it for the first time into ‘BB-‘ from ‘B+’. “The rating strengthens Albania’s external positions and brings tangible …

News
“Gerderc” case, one of the witnesses refuses to testify

In the next hearing against the former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu for the “Gërdeci” case, Mihal Delijorgji appeared to testify. ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that Delijorgji refused to give explanations, taking advantage of the right not to do something like that, because he was convicted in the …

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Jorgo Goro resigns as mayor of Himara

Jorgo Goro has resigned from the post of mayor of Himara. ABC Nea has obtained the letter addressed to the municipal council of Himara, dated March 25, Goro expresses gratitude for the 12 years he served the citizens while denying the accusations of abuse of office and falsification of documents. …

News

Special Appeal Court for corruption and organized crime orders SPAK to investigate former mayor of Kavaja, Elvis Roshi

The Special Court ordered the Special Prosecutor’s Office to withdraw the file against Elvis Roshi, the former mayor of Kavaja, and to continue investigations for abuse of duty, reports journalist Ermal Vija. In 2017, Rroshi was accused by KLSH of two abusive tenders worth 33 million ALL, but the Durres …

News

A 38 year old arrested for cultivating cannabis

One person has been put in handcuffs and another has been declared wanted in Shkodër, as part of the coded police operation “Luarza 1”. The arrested Naser Lohja and Pllumb Lohja, wanted, in the village of Liarzë, had planted cannabis sativa narcotic seeds and saplings in cubes, with the aim …

News

Dialogue group for ‘reforms’ meeting, criminal amnesty is discussed

After the agreement reached between the SP and Reestablishment, the dialogue group for ‘Reforms’ will meet for the first time this Monday. ABC News reporter Esiona Konomi reports that the dialogue group has 3 members from the majority and 3 from the opposition. Meanwhile, DP of Basha has refused to …

News

Allowed illegal constructions, 12 officials, police officers and owners condemned

Twelve people have been sentenced for allowing construction without a permit in Lushnje. ABC News reporter Valbona Davidhi reports that among those convicted are two chief inspectors and two inspectors of IKMT. Gjergji Mwhilli, Isa Buzi, Kudret Sulo and Xhezmi Zlali were sentenced to 4 months in prison. “We are …

News

Former mayor Fran Tuci, is released from prison

The former mayor of Fushe Arrezi Fran Tuci, convicted of abuse of duty, together with his two associates Durim Margjekaj and Ndoc Marku, is released from prison. Tuci has served the sentence of 1 year and 6 months with the time spent in custody. GJKKO accepted the request of the …

News

AIIS brings ‘A Concise History of Greece’ in Albanian, Tirana event launches book with author and Greek Embassy

TIRANA, March 25, 2024 – A launch event for the Albanian language edition of “A Concise History of Greece” has generated wide interest in the book, which brings a detailed overview of modern Greece’s political, economic and social developments to local readers.  The latest edition of the book by renowned …

News

Reflecting renewed emigration wave, remittances to Albania reached record high in 2023

TIRANA, March 28, 2024 – Money sent home by Albanians working abroad saw a significant increase in 2023, reaching the highest historical level since 2008, according to the latest data reported by Albania’s central bank.  Remittances were almost 930 million euros in 2023, with an 11.3 percent increase compared to …

News

Albania’s sovereign credit rating upgraded by major int’l agency

TIRANA, March 26, 2024 – The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) credit rating agency, one of the three largest in the world, has upgraded Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating by one notch, pushing it for the first time into ‘BB-‘ from ‘B+’. “The rating strengthens Albania’s external positions and brings tangible …

News

“Gerderc” case, one of the witnesses refuses to testify

In the next hearing against the former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu for the “Gërdeci” case, Mihal Delijorgji appeared to testify. ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that Delijorgji refused to give explanations, taking advantage of the right not to do something like that, because he was convicted in the …

News

Jorgo Goro resigns as mayor of Himara

Jorgo Goro has resigned from the post of mayor of Himara. ABC Nea has obtained the letter addressed to the municipal council of Himara, dated March 25, Goro expresses gratitude for the 12 years he served the citizens while denying the accusations of abuse of office and falsification of documents. …