Le rivelazioni di Elisabeta Mataj sul casinò sconvolgono la corte mentre si intensifica l'indagine sulla frode pensionistica in Albania.

 DURRËS, Albania — Prosecutors have disclosed striking new details in the investigation involving former pension office director Elisabeta Mataj, alleging that she and her husband made hundreds of visits to casinos while authorities investigate suspected financial misconduct related to Albania's pension system.

 

During a court hearing to determine pre-trial security measures, prosecutors presented evidence gathered during a months-long investigation, including data from an official monitoring system that allegedly tracked visits to gambling establishments.

According to the prosecution, Mataj entered casinos 335 times, making her a frequent visitor to a gambling venue identified as "Plaza". Investigators said that in May alone, she reportedly visited the casino 27 times.

Prosecutors further stated that Mataj's husband was recorded entering casinos 340 times, adding to investigators' scrutiny of the couple's financial activities.

Authorities are also examining what prosecutors described as substantial amounts of money allegedly gambled at two casinos in Tirana. Financial investigators are seeking to determine whether any of those funds originated from, or were connected to, money linked to Albania's pension system—one of the central questions in the ongoing criminal investigation.

Addressing the court, Mataj did not deny visiting casinos but firmly rejected any suggestion that her private activities were related to criminal conduct or her official responsibilities. She argued that she was exercising her personal freedom and challenged the court to identify any law or contractual provision prohibiting her from visiting restaurants, bars, or casinos.

After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, the Durrës Court partially accepted the prosecution's request. The court ruled that the arrests of the three suspects were lawful, ordering pre-trial detention for former director Elisabeta Mataj while placing the two other employees under house arrest.

The court also granted both parties five days to appeal the ruling before the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction in Tirana.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue analyzing financial records to determine the origin of the funds under scrutiny and whether they are connected to the alleged criminal offenses.