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SPAK begins questioning people who have had connections with IPARD funds...
The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has reactivated investigations into the IPARD funds scandal, questioning Reni Ashiku, one of the closest associates of former Minister of Agriculture, Frida Krifca.
Ashiku is an administrator at Converse Management Consulting (CMC), which has been handling IPARD funds. The investigation is related to suspicions of abuse of European Union funds for agriculture, following a report made by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
While Altin Dumani was at the head of SPAK, the investigations into Krifca were blocked. But it seems that SPAK has started to move and the question that arises is: Are the handcuffs rattling for the former Minister of Agriculture?
According to sources, Ashiku is suspected of having played a key role in the alleged abuse scheme. On the recommendation of OLAF, the European Union cut off hundreds of millions of euros in aid to Albanian farmers from the IPARD III program, following suspicions of violations in the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), an institution that Krifca headed before taking up the post of minister.
In June 2021, the European Commission, through the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), sent a criminal report to SPAK and an official finding to Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing Frida Krifca of massive abuse of IPARD II funds intended for Albanian farmers.
Instead of taking action, Edi Rama rewarded him with a ministerial post, an appointment that provoked a strong reaction from Brussels. The Albanian government promised verifications and cooperation with OLAF, but in reality took no concrete action.
In 2022, despite repeated warnings, Frida Krifca was not only not investigated, but was authorized by the Albanian government itself to sign the agreement for IPARD III funds with the European Commission, taking on the role of national official responsible for the administration of the funds. This caused surprise and revolt within the Commission, which decided to block IPARD III funds for Albania as of 2023.
After the funds were blocked, Rama removed Krifca from her ministerial position, but instead of expelling her from the administration, he appointed her as an advisor on EU funds to the Prime Minister, a move that was read as a challenge to Brussels and a mockery of justice.
Instead of a real investigation, in July 2025, the Albanian government announced a tender for an audit of funds missing from AZHBR, won by a German company selected by Minister Petrit Malaj, who according to sources has previous business ties with its leaders.
The European Commission has made it clear that the IPARD III agreement will remain suspended, due to a lack of transparency and refusal to investigate officials responsible for abuses. /Pamphlet
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