SPAK digs into Berisha family's foundation: Is it a case of charity or chicanery?

The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) is investigating the Foundation for Albanian Children, led by Liri Berisha, the wife of former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, amid growing concerns about financial irregularities.

Tirana, September 4, 2024 — SPAK is reportedly scrutinising the Foundation for Albanian Children, an NGO founded by Liri Berisha, the spouse of former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The investigation is part of a wider review into the Berisha family's assets and financial activities.

Central to the investigation is the foundation’s head office, located in a villa in the Farka area. The scrutiny follows past allegations about a charity event held in Tirana during Sali Berisha’s term as Prime Minister. At this event, various businessmen purchased artworks at significantly inflated prices, including a painting bought for €100,000. There are suspicions that these transactions, presented as charitable donations, may have been covert payments to the foundation. Allegations suggest that Sali Berisha later returned these “gifts” through political favours and tenders.

The current review by SPAK extends to the foundation’s financial records and the Berisha family's broader asset portfolio. This includes multiple properties and apartments owned by Argita Berisha, Sali Berisha’s daughter; Jamarber, his son-in-law; and Shkëlzen Berisha, his son. SPAK is investigating their bank accounts, loans, invoices, consulting fees, and a luxurious villa in Gjiri i Lalzit, tied to a significant real estate deal during Sali Berisha’s time in office.

Despite the high-profile nature of the investigation, it remains unclear whether formal legal proceedings have been initiated against the Berisha family. This review follows earlier criminal charges against Sali Berisha and his son-in-law related to alleged corruption and money laundering in the privatisation of the former Partizani Sports Club.