Albanian authorities have arrested former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj, charging him with corruption, fraud, income concealment, and abuse of office for misappropriating European Union (EU) funds. Beqaj, who served as Health Minister from 2013 to 2017, faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted.
Misappropriation of EU Funds by Ilir Beqaj
The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has launched an investigation into Ilir Beqaj’s alleged involvement in orchestrating fictitious procurement procedures in at least eight tender competitions for EU-financed projects under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). SPAK’s investigation reveals that Beqaj misappropriated funds during his tenure at the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), which was established in October 2021 to oversee national and regional EU financial programs.
SPAK has requested Beqaj’s detention as proceedings continue. The investigation, which began in early 2023, uncovered that under Beqaj’s leadership, SASPAC issued fraudulent invoices for incomplete services that were billed as legitimate expenses. These invoices involved close associates of Beqaj, including SASPAC officials, business contacts, and individuals from non-profit organizations.
Key Figures and Programs
Ermal Kurtulaj, a confidant and friend of Ilir Beqaj, is among those named in SPAK’s documents. Kurtulaj served as the coordinator of the EUSAIR Facility Point program, a strategic initiative involving nine European partners across eight countries. SASPAC, under Beqaj’s leadership, managed and monitored the program, which aimed to foster macro-regional cooperation in the Adriatic and Ionian regions.
SPAK presented evidence including suspicious invoices totaling hundreds of thousands of euros, supposedly for services such as catering, involving multiple companies, restaurants, and two institutions — SASPAC and EUSAIR. Kurtulaj is alleged to have orchestrated the submission of these invoices for activities SASPAC had not actually carried out. SPAK further accuses Kurtulaj of actively seeking and accepting false invoices from various commercial entities and NGOs, thereby inflating the amounts for personal gain.
Previous Allegations
Earlier this year, SPAK also accused Ilir Beqaj of misconduct in a significant case involving one of Albania’s costliest health sector concessions related to the sterilization of medical equipment. In 2015, Beqaj entered into a concession agreement exceeding €134 million (US$144.87 million) for the initial two years. A four-year investigation uncovered legal breaches in health sector concession procedures allegedly crafted to favor companies associated with senior Health Ministry officials. Violations included falsified feasibility studies and criteria designed to benefit pre-selected companies, among them one owned by Beqaj’s deputy minister, Klodian Rrjepaj.
Broader Implications
Ilir Beqaj’s arrest and the ongoing investigation highlight the broader issue of corruption in Albania, particularly in the management of EU funds. The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is a key financial tool designed to support reforms in countries aspiring to join the EU, making the alleged misuse of these funds a significant breach of trust.
SPAK’s rigorous investigation into Beqaj and his associates highlights the Albanian government’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring transparency in public office. However, these revelations also raise concerns about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within EU-funded programs in the region.
Government Response
In response to Ilir Beqaj’s arrest, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, asserting that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law. Rama’s administration has pledged to cooperate fully with SPAK and the EU in uncovering the full extent of the misuse of funds and holding all responsible parties accountable.
The arrest of Ilir Beqaj marks a pivotal moment in Albania’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust in its institutions. The charges against Beqaj, if proven, represent a severe misuse of public funds and a breach of fiduciary duty. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact Albania’s relationship with the EU and its path towards integration.
The outcome of this case will likely serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of Albania’s anti-corruption measures and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
