A new scandal involving public land and business interests has erupted in Himara, raising questions about the procedures for granting state real estate. Three plots of land, totaling 3 acres, in one of the most expensive coastal areas of Palasa, were granted to the company "Dulla Konstruksion" without financial compensation and with a controversial status of "strategic investor".
Mayor Vangelis Tavos indicated the concession to the municipal council, which with a narrow majority approved the decision on June 27, 2025The land, intended for the operation of a concrete and related materials production plant, was granted for 30 years, without financial consideration, under the justification of "strategic investment".
However, the legislation on strategic investments covers only tourism projects, such as hotels and resorts, and not industrial production. the Decision was signed by the then minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhe, while officials tried to invoke an earlier government decree from 2015, which is not related to the current concession.
The scandal also involves the company's owner, Ervin Dulla, a well-known businessman in construction and hotels in various parts of Albania. Dulla was under criminal investigation in October 2025 for purchasing and secretly registering luxury vehicles, belonging to individuals with criminal records, registered as company vehicles. Some of these vehicles were registered during the days when Blendi Gonxhe was the General Director of Road Transport.
The wording in the municipal resolution that the area will also be used for "related ancillary projects" is striking, leaving open the possibility of a future change of use, which reinforces suspicions of the potential exploitation of the property for tourist development or other private benefit.
The matter has now been placed under monitoring by the competent authorities, while dulla's case Is expected to be further examined by The Special Anti-Corruption structure (SPAK). Observers Of the local political scene emphasize that transparency and legality in the management of public property are at the heart of the discussion, as this particular concession raises serious questions about the independence of institutions and the observance of laws.
