A new polygraph unit inaugurated today by the US Ambassador Yuri Kim will start work with lie detector tests on candidates to the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH).
Ambassador Kim underlined the importance of this moment for Albania: “This unit will conduct tests on the candidates to the National Bureau of Investigation,” she said, and that its five experts will fight corruption. She also urged for the continuing implementation of the justice reform in Albania.
In November 2019, the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs donated 5 polygraphs to the Albanian government.
The Chair of BKH is expected to be nominated in about two months from the 18 candidates competing for the post. A panel composed of Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) Chair and two prosecutors will interview and evaluate candidates before recommending names to the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP), which will make the nomination. Part of the evaluation will also be the polygraph test.
BKH and SPAK will investigate corruption, organized crime and crimes committed by senior government officials, including the President, Prime Minister and MPs. BKH is a separate branch of the Judicial Police which is independent of the Ministry of Interior.
