New details have come to light from the investigations into the suspected financial scandal at the Albanian Post branch in Durrës, where three officials have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling around 69 million lekë, a fund intended for pensions and economic assistance.
During the hearing for the determination of the security measure, the prosecution presented new elements of the investigative file, also mentioning the frequenting of gambling venues by the branch director, Elisabeta Mataj.
Before the court, Mataj did not deny this fact, but emphasized that she had not violated any legal rule or contractual obligation. According to her, frequenting casinos did not constitute any violation.
"I am a free citizen. Show me which contract states that I cannot go to bars, clubs or casinos," she is quoted as saying during the hearing.
The arrested director also denied allegations that she had attempted to evade justice, explaining that she had planned the trip abroad on July 10, while on July 13 and 14 she had been at work.
Asked by the panel of judges where the funds allegedly embezzled ended up, Mataj replied that he had no knowledge.
Meanwhile, investigations continue to determine the suspected mechanism of abuse, the responsibility of each of those arrested, as well as the destination of approximately 69 million lek, which were planned to be distributed to citizens in the form of pensions and social benefits.
