Former Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven co‑defendants pleaded not guilty in the State Lottery case, with Grubi telling the court, “I do not feel guilty”.
The hearing was adjourned after Bashkim Avdiu requested the indictment in Albanian and will continue Friday. Prosecutors allege the group exceeded official powers in 2023–2024, causing damages of 596 million denars (EUR 9.7 million).
Grubi is accused of chairing a government session approving video gambling machines despite the Lottery lacking such rights, resulting in losses of about EUR 5 million. The trial involves 231 pieces of evidence and seven witnesses, with former Lottery director Perparim Bajrami tried in absentia. Grubi, arrested in February at the Blace border after 14 months on the run, remains under house arrest.