Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and current advisor to the Health Minister, Ilir Tolaj, was arrested yesterday by the newly-created Anti-Corruption Task Force made of EULEX and Kosovo Police officers.

A press release issued by EULEX, said Tolaj was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion and that three searches in different locations were carried out by the police relating to the case.

Koha Ditore quotes sources saying that Tolaj, a member of LDK, is suspected of misusing official duty in 2007 while he was working as Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry.

At the same time, Zëri reports that Tolaj’s arrest is directly related to his role during 2005-2006 when he was commissioned by Swiss authorities to perform medical checks of Kosovars that received Swiss disability pensions.

The sources claimed that Tolaj did not pay taxes on the profit he received from the check-ups.

Health Minister Bujar Bukoshi told Koha Ditore that he is open for cooperation with EULEX while Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said the arrest is a successful initiative in the fight against corruption and organized crime.