European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, has rejected the allegation that this institution has started an investigation into the European Union ambassador in Albania, Romana Vlahutin.
In the news first published on the “New Europe” online media, it was alleged that OLAF had launched an investigation into Vlahutin’s abuses with EU funds in buying a 1.6m-euro villa in a residential mall on the outskirts of Tirana.
“Vlahutin’s investigation has begun for the purchase of a 1.6 million Euro villa in a residential center on the outskirts of the Albanian capital.At the time of the sale, similar houses in the same area and bigger ones were priced at least €1m less than what the Commission paid.This investigation is of particular significance because it was opened four weeks ahead of Albania’s general election on June 25.” Published in “New Europe”
Taking into account the necessity of the source of this news, Tirana Today asked via email the OLAF office if there had actually been an investigation into Ambassador Vlahutin.
In its response, the European Fraud Office at the European Commission dismissed such a claim. According to them, OLAF has made an analysis of what has been written about Ambassador Vlahutin but has found no index to initiate investigations against her.
“OLAF conducted a preliminary analysis of the available information regarding the purchase of a villa in Tirana by the European Union delegation in Albania. After this analysis, the office decided not to open an investigation as there was no suspicion of fraud or irregularities justifying the opening of an investigation. However, should OLAF become aware of new information of potential investigative interest, these new aspects can be analyzed by the office anytime.”
