The Court against Corruption and Organized Crime in Albania has decided to extend security measures against Ilir Beqaj, the former Minister of Health, as of Monday, November 20.
Beqaj is under suspicion of “abuse of duty” in connection with a 10-year concession contract for the sterilization of surgical equipment, prompting the imposition of security measures such as a mandatory weekly appearance before authorities and a travel ban.
These measures remained in place during Beqaj’s questioning, part of the investigation into the 100-million-euro contract for the “sterilization of surgical equipment”.
Following the session, Beqaj defended the contract, highlighting advancements in surgical conditions, reduced hospital stays, and improved overall healthcare during the eight-year contract period.
The ongoing investigation by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption (SPAK) has positioned Beqaj as the highest-ranking official accused of irregularities related to the public-private partnership contract. This comes after the August arrest of businessman Ilir Rrapaj and his deputy Klodian Rrjepaj in the Ministry of Health.
SPAK’s findings include procedural irregularities in the concession award, raising questions about the pre-selection of companies owned by Ilir Rrapaj and Italian citizen Umbro Staçini.
Violations extend to a feasibility study containing inaccurate data, tailored criteria favoring pre-selected companies, and Beqaj’s alleged inaction to address conflicts of interest between Deputy Minister Klodian Rrjepaj and businessman Ilir Rrapaj.
Legal breaches are also identified in the contract negotiation phase, favoring the declared winning company at the expense of state interests.
Until SPAK initiated the investigation, Beqaj served as the head of the State Agency for Strategic Planning and Coordination of Aid.
His resignation from this position was announced “to uphold the integrity of the investigative process and avoid any potential misinterpretation of my influence”.
While there is no official statement on Beqaj’s role in the negotiating group for Albania’s EU integration, the travel ban hinders his ability to fulfill this duty.
Beqaj, who held the position of Minister of Health in 2013, oversaw the signing of three concession contracts for healthcare services during his four-year term.
