U.S. official urges reappointment of prosecutors as SPAK marks fifth anniversary

Tirana, December 19, 2024 – Albania’s Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) marked its fifth anniversary on Thursday, with a ceremony attended by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Alexander Kasanof.

Kasanof praised SPAK’s efforts in tackling corruption and organized crime over the past five years. He called for SPAK prosecutors to be allowed to reapply for their positions after their current terms, warning that not doing so could threaten the success of Albania’s anti-crime efforts.

“SPAK has just begun, and it must continue to inspire confidence among citizens, visitors, and investors,” Kasanof said. “To ensure its continued success, prosecutors should be permitted to apply for reappointment. Failing to do so risks undermining Albania's most effective effort against organized crime and corruption.”

Kasanof’s remarks echo those of SPAK’s head, Altin Dumani, who in April urged the High Prosecutorial Council to allow special prosecutors to run for re-election after their nine-year mandates. Dumani argued that the current team is an asset and that Albania lacks enough qualified prosecutors to fill the gap left by their departure.

“These prosecutors have been significantly invested in, both by the state and international partners,” Dumani said. “We cannot afford to lose them, as there are not enough qualified prosecutors to take their place.”

Dumani’s stance was reiterated in his testimony before Albania’s Law and Security Committees, where he stressed the importance of maintaining SPAK’s standards and effectiveness.

SPAK is responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and organized crime cases and represents the prosecution in specialized courts. Under current law, SPAK prosecutors are appointed for a nine-year term with no provision for reappointment.