An Albanian anti-corruption court suspended State Intelligence Service director Vlora Hyseni and ordered her to remain under house arrest on 22 September. The Special Prosecutor’s Office said she is suspected of disclosing classified information to unauthorised people in connection with an investigation involving the National Agency for Information Society. [1]
OCCRP reported that prosecutors also suspect Hyseni of assisting a perpetrator of a criminal offence. Prime Minister Edi Rama said he had removed her from office and would consult President Bajram Begaj on a successor. Hyseni could not be reached by Reuters for comment; the security measures allow the investigation to continue and do not constitute a finding of guilt. [1] [2]
ContextThe case reaches Albania’s principal intelligence institution while the country is pursuing European Union membership. Reuters reported that EU officials view Albania’s response to corruption cases as material to that process. [1]