The Tax “top brass” in прокуратурë THE VAT FRAUD SCHEME IS REVEALED, 11 COMPANIES INVOLVED THEFT OF 5 MILLION USD The Tax “top brass” in prosecutor’s office The Ministry of Finance files a complaint against 8 former directors and employees of the Tirana Tax Directorate. Suspected of stealing with false invoices and deregistering companies By LORENC RABETA The Ministry of Finance has sent eight tax officials to the General Prosecutor’s Office for criminal prosecution over a VAT fraud scheme through which 5 million dollars were stolen from the state treasury. The scheme involved a number of Asian companies which, in cooperation with several Albanian companies, committed fraud using Value Added Tax invoices. “The facts and elements uncovered fulfill the elements of the criminal offense of ‘Theft committed through abuse of office’, an offense committed in cooperation, as provided for by Articles 135 as well as 25 and 26 of the Criminal Code. The amount of the theft caused is 515,455,275 lekë,” the General Directorate of Taxation (DPT) said in a press release. In yesterday’s statement, the DPT says that, at the request of the Director General of Taxation, the Internal Audit Directorate at the Ministry of Finance audited the reimbursement procedures... Continues on page 7

POLICE: VENGEANCE SUSPECTED ... On page 8

Opinion of the Day By EDUARD ZALOSHNJA After the tragic accident on the Lezhë-Shkodër road, where 5 young people lost their lives, Prime Minister Rama wrote these words on his “Facebook” page... Continues on page 18 The 5 victims of Shkodër and the prevention of victims

Opinion of the Day By KIÇO BLUSHI It is clear that Rama’s PS, especially after coming to power, is trying to make its final break from the “old jackets”... Continues on page 19 Demilitarization of politics as a novelty

FORMER DEMOCRATIC PARTY MP: THERE IS NO POLITICAL PROTECTION INTERVIEW Selami Xhepa: The incapable should leave the administration ... On page 4

Nard Ndoka: A crime, our revivalists were insulted and humiliated Erdoğan: An Albanian sang the Turkish anthem. Rama and Thaçi: Fraternal cooperation (In the photo): Prime Minister Edi Rama with his Kosovar counterpart Hashim Thaçi and the Turkish one, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, yesterday in Pristina The “Adem Jashari” terminal is inaugurated in Pristina. The Turkish prime minister: I can no longer endure tears being shed in the Balkans. Rama: The three states are strategic partners By DARINA TANUSHI The good friendship between Albania, Turkey and Kosovo was displayed not only by the flags waving side by side, but also by the coming together of the prime ministers Rama, Erdoğan and Thaçi in Kosovo. ... On page 3

APPOINTMENTS ... On page 9

THE PSD CHAIRMAN ... On page 6

THE NEW DIRECTOR SPEAKS ... On page 16

FORMER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SHISH IN DURRËS Prosecutor’s Office: Isa Çopa was killed. Wife: The state must do justice ... On page 15