SPAK is synonymous with success in Albania and the most trusted institution for Albanians. This was stated by the EU ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, on the 5th anniversary of the establishment of SPAK, expressing international support for the justice reform. According to him, SPAK has faced numerous challenges, with the culture of impunity and the culture of political interference in justice, but he emphasizes that it is giving good results in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
"The creation of a strong and independent institution to fight corruption and organized crime has been a key element. Many of you have been there since the beginning, the first steps that SPAK took in 2019. Since then SPAK has shown a high level of commitment, often facing a state that has struggled with a culture of impunity and a history that politics has intervened in the justice system. We have supported them since day one and will continue to do so in the future. Today is a day to celebrate but also a day that we see the achievements so far. In terms of organization, SPAK has created a solid structure that can efficiently support all elements of its mandate, the investigation, prosecution and trial of high-level corruption and organized crime issues. This structure will also support the special prosecution to carry out the vetting process. From the functional point of view, SPAK has provided good results in some high-profile cases, it has recovered millions of euros of assets of individuals benefited through corruption. Cooperation with EU agencies have helped to attack criminal organizations in Albania and outside Albania. In just a few years, SPAK is synonymous with success in Albania. It is the Albanian citizens who believe that SPAK is the most trusted institution in Albania, this is proof of your strong work".
Gonzato said that there is still work to be done, stating that we should not rest on our laurels, as Albania's European journey is based on the results of the fight against corruption and organized crime. Like the American official Kasanof, Gonzato also emphasizes that this is not the duty of SPAK alone, but of all institutions.
"We must also look to the future, we must not rest on our laurels, the outcome of the EU membership process will continue to rely on the capacity and work that will be done to fight organized crime and corruption. By seizing and confiscating these assets that have been placed in an illegal form. The recent appointment of the deputy director of the BKH not only fulfills the law but paves the way for the creation of the judicial police that will help the investigators. Secondly, increasing efficiency in financial investigations is an important aspect, including cooperation with the evidence sector, banks. SPAK is not and should not be the only institution in the fight against corruption and organized crime. It is important that SPAK focuses on resources and further elaborates sophisticated instruments to combat these issues at a high level. This reinforcement of the work that needs to be done will bring back more public confidence in the rule of law. It is the responsibility of all such institutions. It must be a concerted effort throughout society." (A2 Televizion)
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