This morning, the JOQ portal published an article claiming that ABI Bank owns thousands of hectares of land in the Zvërnec area, as collateral taken from bad loans of its clients. The article also suggested a connection between the bank and public developments for the area.
ABI Bank has officially reacted by calling these claims untrue and inaccurate. According to the bank, none of the published accusations regarding the ownership of the lands in Zvërnec are true.
In its response, ABI Bank also speaks of repeated allegations of extortion against the institution, considering them unfounded and part of a practice that damages public information and the reputation of financial institutions.
The bank emphasizes that it operates in full compliance with Albanian legislation and is under the supervision of the Bank of Albania, and operates according to international standards of transparency and financial reporting. It also highlights its collaborations with international financial institutions and its engagement in social projects in the country.
"ABI Bank clarifies that the published information is not accurate and does not correspond to reality. The bank operates in full compliance with applicable laws and is under the supervision of the Bank of Albania. Every action of the institution is documented and transparent according to financial standards," the response reads.
ABI Bank appeals for careful verification of information before publishing news related to financial institutions and ownership issues.
The event comes at a sensitive public moment for debates over developments in the Zvërnec area, where issues of ownership and investment have been at the center of public discussions and reactions.
