The United States Embassy has shared a video regarding the completion of the FBI-led training for SPAK and BKH investigators, where Chargé d'Affaires Nancy VanHorn also delivered a speech.
In the footage published from the ceremony, held at the premises of the Security Academy, the absence of the General Director of the State Police, Ilir Proda, is noticeable. Meanwhile, the leaders of key institutions in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking were present at the event, including the head of SPAK, Klodian Braho, the head of BKH, Joni Keta, as well as other institutional leaders. No. 1 of the State Police was practically "erased" both from the meeting and from the video message of the American Embassy.
The reasons for the absence of the Director General of the State Police are not officially known, but the avoidance of the head of one of the most important institutions in the country, which has a key role in the fight against narcotics and organized crime, are clear to those who know how to see beyond formal announcements.
The Director of the State Police, Ilir Proda, has open issues with the judiciary. VNA previously reported that SPAK has seized the phone of the Director General of the State Police as part of an investigation into the release of investigative secrets during an operation, at the time when he was the head of the Police in Elbasan.
Prode's name has also been rumored for links to organized crime figures, as well as for his direct responsibility on the day when Erion Veliaj's supporters breached the security perimeter of the Special Prosecution Office during the hearing for his arrest. Ilir Prode's name also appears active in other hot files that are in the hands of prosecutors.
These developments appear to have led to his avoidance of official activities at the US Embassy, which has recently been unwaveringly supporting SPAK and BKH in their investigations and work against organized crime and corruption.
