Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution, SPAK, has formally charged former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku with multiple offenses, including corruption, money laundering, and asset concealment. The charges relate to alleged violations of equality in nine public procurement procedures in Albania. This development intensifies a case which has previously highlighted tensions between ongoing judicial investigations and apparent political protection afforded to high-ranking officials. Prosecutors have categorized the alleged offenses into five areas, all reportedly committed in collaboration with others. The case is particularly sensitive following a previous refusal by Parliament to authorize Balluku’s arrest. The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to draw renewed scrutiny to the government’s defense of senior officials in Albania. The charges were communicated on Tuesday, according to reporting from Tirana Times.