Thick plumes of smoke from the burning of materials that were supposed to be destroyed in special furnaces were detected by the Elbasan Police during an inspection of the premises of the companies CCALV sh.pk and GSA Ferrokrom sh.pk, licensed for the processing and destruction of non-ferrous metals, batteries and plastics.
According to legal procedures, the disposal process should have been carried out through a controlled technical chain, including a cooling tower, spark arrestors, filtration and a chimney. However, the investigation team found active fire sources and uncontrolled burning of waste.
For criminal offenses related to air, land and water pollution, illegal employment, concealment of income and money laundering, 16 people were arrested in flagrante delicto, including nine foreign citizens from Korea and India, employed as furnace operators, drivers and administrators. Also, seven Albanian citizens, with functions as shift managers, engineers and production directors, were found to be involved in the illegal activity.
Among those arrested is an employee of the Municipality of Elbasan, suspected of abuse of office, who worked in the environmental sector and was tasked with monitoring the level of pollution and its impact on the health of citizens. According to the police, he had stated in the minutes that there were no environmental problems, while experts called from Tirana, after measurements with professional equipment, found that waste was being burned at levels beyond the permitted norms.
Meanwhile, the Elbasan Police have announced that the shareholders of the two companies, specifically citizens Bujar Zogu, Dritan Konica, Faejzo Mecaj, Ilir Londo, Gjergj Bezati, Agron Shapllo and Serafin Orgocka, are wanted. It remains to be seen the position of the Prosecutor's Office regarding the police referral.
Administrative measures with fines have been imposed on both companies and a decision has been made to suspend their activities until the legal conditions are met.
