The Court Against Organized Crime and Corruption in Albania issued its verdict on the Fier incinerator investigation.

In the recent ruling, the judges found former Minister of Environment Lefter Koka guilty of charges filed by the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Crime and Corruption (SPAK). He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, though due to expedited proceedings, Koka’s actual prison term will be 6 years and 8 months.

Former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Alqi Bllako was also found guilty and sentenced to 4 years in prison, with an effective sentence of 2 years and 8 months due to expedited proceedings.

Klodian Zoto, the administrator of the concessionary company, received a 12-year prison sentence, with 8 years to be served expeditiously.

The Court acquitted Arben Dervishaj, the supervisor of incinerator works. Likewise, Juri Imeraj, administrator of the J.P.Y company, and Arjola Kodra, administrator of the Tirana incinerator, were declared innocent.

The SPAK investigation targeted 20 defendants linked to the Fier incinerator, including members of the Bid Acceptance Commission. Some of them had their sentences converted to probation. Pëllumb Abeshi, a former official at the Ministry of Environment, was sentenced to 3.6 years in prison but will serve 2.4 years with expedited proceedings.

Erjon Murataj, a member of the concession awarding commission, received a 3-year prison sentence, ultimately serving 2 years.

Sabina Cenameri, another member of the concession awarding commission, was sentenced to 3 years in prison but will serve 2 years with expedited proceedings.

Loran Dusha, administrator of the Fier incinerator, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, with an effective sentence of 4.8 years.

Five individuals were sentenced to 4 years in prison, which was subsequently converted to probation.