The Ministry of Energy and Industry completed the audit on the privatization of the electricity distribution network operator (Oshee sh. a.) and pressed charges against three former ministers in the government of Sali Berisha, one of his then-advisors and two deputy ministers. Besides Ridvan Bode, Genc Ruli, Florion Mima, Enno Bozdo, Neritan Alibali and Zana Guxholli, charges were filed against former head of commercial services Mimoza Vokshi and other senior officials. According to the audit, the damage caused to the state is ALL 57.93 billion (EUR 414 million).
The ministry says the case includes investigations for favors during ČEZ’s activity, by failing to take measures in defence of government interests, after the Czech company had its license revoked. Prime minister Edi Rama’s government accuses its predecessors for corruption and for the same things that the opposition accuses the government today, Independent Balkan News Agency reported.
In October, the state prosecution has launched an investigation to determine the role of Arben Seferi, former chief executive of ČEZ Albania sh. a., Czech state-run company which used to control power distribution in Albania from 2009 to 2012, and two other people. The Supreme State Audit (KLSH) had earlier filed a law suit against the three for abuse of office in 2014 and 2013, resulting in financial damage of EUR 32.04 million suffered by electricity distribution network operator Oshee sh. a., and EUR 5.63 million of state income. On October 14, KLSH said it filed a suit against the current energy minister Damian Gjiknuri and state attorney Alma Hicka. The auditors stated the amicable agreement the two officials made in June of last year with the Czech Republic has caused a EUR 479 million damage, while they should have pursued international arbitration.
October 25, 2022
