Four to stand trial in ‘Toyota Yaris’ corruption case

January 4, 2025 –  The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has completed its investigation into the “Toyota Yaris” case, sending four people to trial. The accused are Aurel Zarka, former chief prosecutor of Vlora, Erjona Daupaj, former judicial police officer, lawyer Radovan Cela, and Astrit Vladi. They are charged with corruption, revealing secret information, and drug trafficking.

SPAK alleges the defendants worked together to accept bribes, aiming to influence judges and prosecutors handling the case of 3.4 million euros seized at the Port of Durrës. The bribes were reportedly intended to help the accused in the case.

The investigation also suggests the defendants tried to help Suel Cela, a suspected criminal figure, regain seized assets through the Law Enforcement Operation. The case file has been split, naming prosecutors and judges involved in the inquiry.

The money was found in a “Toyota Auris” on June 24, 2020, in Durrës. The car, which had arrived from Belgium, was carrying the 3.4 million euros.