The Embassy of the United States in Tirana announced that a group of senior officials from the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is conducting a study visit in Washington, D.C.
“Senior officials from SPAK are participating in a study visit to Washington, D.C. this week. Led by members of U.S. Embassy Tirana’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) team, SPAK officials met with key Department of Justice leaders from OPDAT and the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP),” it was stated the announcement.
During the visit and meetings held in Washington, D.C., the focus was on the security challenges faced by judges and prosecutors.
“SPAK prosecutors also discussed safety and security challenges with the United States Marshals Service, which protects America’s federal judges, prosecutors, court staff, and witnesses. The visit will also include meetings with the U.S. Department of State, Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” concludes the announcement.
Earlier this month, two prosecutors, Doloreza Musabelliu of SPAK and Merita Selimi of Lushnja, were taken under protection, following the testimony of a justice collaborator who revealed a previous plan for their physical elimination.
The plan was elaborated by Laert Haxhiu’s band, which stands accused of committing at least six murders and causing five explosions.
Haxhiu, considered as the leader of the band, is under arrest in Greece, while the Appeals Court in the Hellenic state has decided in favor of him being extradited to Albania.
