A suspected fraud scheme against families affected by the 2019 earthquake in Fushë-Krujë has been uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crime Investigation Sector of the Tirana Police, while a 45-year-old woman has ended up in handcuffs.
This is about Ina Cakaj, who allegedly set up a scheme to gain money, presenting herself as a state administration employee.
According to investigations, she promised families damaged by the earthquake that she would intervene to provide them with compensation or new homes, in return for payments ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 euros.
Up to this stage of the investigation, it is suspected that around 30 people have been defrauded, while the financial damage is estimated at approximately 60 million old lek.
It is suspected that the victims trusted the 45-year-old because of the claim that she had connections and influence in state institutions and could intervene to obtain compensation after the earthquake.
During the checks and investigative actions, the police have also seized family documents and certificates in the name of the suspected injured persons, which are being verified for how they were used.
Ina Cakaj is facing charges of "Fraud", "Forgery of documents" and "Abuse of state title or office".
But the investigation is not over with the arrest of the 45-year-old. Authorities are verifying other reported cases and whether other people were involved in this scheme.