Tirana's mayor, charged by prosecutors with taking about €1.1 million through non-profits linked to his wife, remains in pre-trial detention while contesting his removal

Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) ordered Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj's arrest on February 10, 2025, alleging he and his wife, Ajola Xoxa, illegally benefited from around €1.1 million, moved through non-profit organizations controlled by Xoxa and funded by payments from businesspeople who allegedly obtained municipal tenders and construction permits. The case now includes 13 charges, including passive corruption, money laundering, concealing assets and abuse of office.