Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors launch investigation into ambassador in Vienna — allegations range from espionage ties and obstruction of justice to forgery and welfare fraud. Media now central to uncovering the truth.

The controversy surrounding Albania’s Ambassador to Austria, Fate Velaj, has officially escalated into an international political affair. According to insider information obtained by exxtra24, Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has initiated a formal investigation into Velaj. The list of accusations is long — and growing by the day.

As confirmed by multiple sources, SPAK is reaching out to national and international media outlets, requesting cooperation in the form of documents, insider testimonies, and whistleblower reports. This unprecedented move marks a turning point in a case that, until recently, simmered quietly beneath the surface of European diplomacy.

A Web of Allegations Fit for a Political Thriller

The allegations against Ambassador Velaj read like the synopsis of a gripping political drama:

• Obstruction of justice: Reports by FOB and Syri.net allege that Velaj harbored his sister-in-law Erjona Daupaj — a wanted former agent of Albania’s anti-corruption bureau (BKH) — inside the Albanian embassy in Vienna. According to BoldNews.al, Daupaj was shielded from justice for months under diplomatic cover.
• Espionage background: Former intelligence insiders claim that Velaj’s family environment may be linked to espionage activities for the Yugoslav secret service during the 1990s — a deeply sensitive issue, considering his current ambassadorial role.
• Forgery and social welfare fraud: As revealed by a private investigator in Vienna and reported on exxtra24.al, Velaj may have submitted falsified academic credentials while improperly collecting social benefits in Austria despite reportedly not qualifying for such assistance.

Investigative Journalism as the Spark

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is the role of investigative media. It was a series of damning articles published by Austrian outlet FOB that brought the scandal into the public eye. Their reporting delved not only into Velaj’s alleged misuse of his diplomatic post but also his apparent political connections within Austria.

SPAK’s call to the media to assist in the investigation marks a rare and symbolic moment. “Such outreach is highly unusual,” said a legal expert familiar with Albania’s judicial system, “but it clearly signals that the authorities are taking the matter seriously.”

Cracks in Tirana’s Support 

Back in Albania, political pressure is mounting. There is growing bipartisan demand for Velaj’s immediate removal. Even the Socialist Party (PS) support for the ambassador appears to be crumbling.

Sources:

• FOB: “Velaj shakes Meinl-Reisinger”
• FOB: “Shadows and Transparency Politics”
• exxtra24: “€10,000 reward for evidence”
• Syri.net: “Scandal around Erjona Daupaj”
• Droni.al: “Velaj hid wanted agent“