Authorities seize villa linked to former deputy prime minister

Authorities in Albania have seized a luxury coastal villa suspected of being indirectly owned by the country’s former deputy prime minister, Belinda Balluku.

Prosecutors accuse Balluku of money laundering and taking bribes during her previous role as head of the state aviation authority.

Investigators suspect a private construction company gave Balluku the property in exchange for a lucrative state contract.

Officials accuse the former minister of using fake contracts and staff members to hide her connection to the villa.

Balluku denies the allegations, while investigations continue into several other transport officials.