Top officials fined for lack of income transparency

TIRANA, Nov. 3 – The High Institute of Property Declaration has fined a number of senior officials for incorrectly completing the annual obligatory report on their property and income.
The institute fined with 30,000 leks (about $300) former Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, who turned into a target of the opposition Socialists accusing him of becoming rich overnight after he became a minister by earning $1.8 million, which Prifti said he had legally obtained from the sale of shares at a company. Prifti denied there was any irregularity and said the fine was politically motivated.
The common law husband of a Democratic Party lawmaker was also fined.
The institute said they were still investigating allegations on improper enrichment of a cabinet minister and the lawmaker, who are accused from the opposition of exploiting their posts for personal profit.