In the northern Albanian district of Shkodra, authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on suspected electoral crimes just days before the country heads to the polls.

In a joint effort, the State Police, the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK), and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) executed the first phase of a high-level police operation codenamed “Premtimi” (“The Promise”).

According to an official statement from the Albanian State Police, the action was conducted following a court order from the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime, issued on May 7, 2025. The order authorized searches on six individuals and nine vehicles in the areas of Shkodra, Bushat, and Vau i Dejës. Authorities seized a significant amount of cash (in euros and Albanian lek), fuel vouchers, mobile phones, various documents, and most notably, lists containing the names of citizens—raising serious concerns about potential vote-buying schemes.

“The investigations are ongoing to fully uncover this suspected criminal activity linked to electoral crimes,” the State Police said in its official press release on May 8.

The individuals targeted include residents F. V., B. L., D. D., S. Z., B. H., and Z. D., with property searches also extending to vehicles registered to third parties and institutions. Notably, one of the searched vehicles is registered to OSHEE, the national electricity company, and was reportedly in use by one of the suspects.

According to the police report, the following items were seized:

• 7 mobile phones
• Cash in multiple currencies
• Fuel vouchers
• Documents and name lists suspected to be linked to electoral activities

The raid is part of a nationwide effort to ensure transparency and fairness in the May 11 local elections, amid increasing public scrutiny of political interference and vote-buying allegations. The operation was led by the Directorate for the Investigation of Economic and Financial Crimes, in collaboration with BKH, the Special Operational Force, and the Shkodra Regional Police Directorate.

This action comes just hours after SPAK confirmed that 35 investigations into electoral crimes are currently underway nationwide, with 33 of them involving active electoral corruption. The remaining two concern the abuse of public office for political purposes.

The Albanian government has faced growing pressure in recent years to improve the integrity of its electoral processes. International observers from the OSCE/ODIHR have previously flagged concerns about vote-buying and misuse of state resources in local campaigns.

“The use of public resources and illegal incentives to manipulate voters is a direct threat to democratic legitimacy,” said political analyst Erion Kume in an interview with ABC News Albania. “This operation shows that institutions are beginning to respond—but real change will require consistent accountability.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to announce whether formal charges will be filed. The State Police has urged citizens to report any suspicious election-related activity through official channels.

Sources:

• Official Statement, Albanian State Police, May 8, 2025
• SPAK Press Release, May 7, 2025
• Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime
• Interview with Erion Kume, ABC News Albania, May 8, 2025
• OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Reports (archival)