Economy Ministry officials detained for abuse of post

TIRANA, Nov 17 – Four officials working at the Economy Ministry were detained and accused of abuse of public money while serving at a private company some years ago.
Artur Belegu, adviser to the minister, and three other employees were charged with causing a damage of 6.5 million Euros to the government while they took by concession a ferro-chromium plant in central Elbasan during 2004-2007.
Minister Dritan Prifti immediately issued a decision firing them from their posts but also insisting he was being indicted for something he had committed while working as an administrator of a private company years ago, not under his management.
At the same time Ilir Meta, deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and also leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration where Belegu and the minister affiliate, openly said that all officials should be accountable for their deeds and also be equal in front of the law.