On October 29, during the report of the head of the Supreme State Audit Office to the Assembly, MP Erion Braçe spoke about a fine that the General Directorate of Customs had imposed on the company Bankers Petroleum several years ago.
Among other things, he stated that Bankers owes the Albanian state 120–130 million euros in excise and tax obligations, for violations found in the period 2017–2019.
That was the way it should have been, but on September 30, 2020, Gent Gazheli was appointed head of Customs.
As Skyweb.al learns, the fine against Bankers Petroleum was initially set at 30 million euros, but after reassessments made by the relevant structures, it was found that the violations were much more serious, and the amount reached 130 million euros.
Skyweb.al has learned of the existence of at least two letters, according to which the leaders of Fier Customs have reminded the head of Customs, Gent Gazheli, of the fine against Bankers, informing him of the need to prosecute him, as it was being held in suspense by him.
However, despite notifications by email and official letter, the decision was not processed by the General Directorate of Customs.
The law stipulates that any final decision on administrative fines must be processed within 6 months from the moment of imposition.
But in this case, the fine has been kept pending for years by Gent Gazheli, without any administrative action, returning to the spotlight only now, after the case was published and referred for investigation to SPAK.
Skyweb.al has learned that during 2021, Gazheli was notified several times by the former head of Fier Customs, O. K, about the legal deadline for the fine, but again no decision was made, keeping the case suspended.
He was even later demoted from office.
Just a few days ago, after the scandal broke and the referral of the file by the Fier Prosecutor's Office to SPAK, the Customs Directorate brought the issue back to attention, attempting to late process a decision that should have been made five years ago.
SPAK has already begun verifications into this affair, which according to data, may be one of the most serious cases of administrative negligence and the influence of large economic interests on public decision-making.
Editorial
