The Mystery of Scholarships in the USA Unveiled: Who is “Klea,” the “Prime Minister’s Granddaughter” Who Cheated High School Graduates? Conversations Revealed

High school graduates across the USA are speaking out, claiming they have never met Klea Rama, the alleged “granddaughter of the prime minister.” Instead, their interactions with her were limited to a WhatsApp group named “Let’s Talk Together about US 24.” The presentation of this project, purportedly endorsed by the Minister of Education, was conducted solely through emails. This revelation raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the scholarship program and the identity of Klea Rama.

In a dramatic turn of events, the police have successfully identified and arrested the individual behind a fraudulent scholarship scheme that deceived high school students nationwide. The person who falsely introduced themselves as Klea Rama, the “granddaughter of Prime Minister Edi Rama,” has been unmasked as 20-year-old Ermes Hoxhalli, a resident of Devoll.

Hoxhalli’s elaborate scheme promised students scholarships to study in the United States. Over six months, a special investigative group comprising officers from the Criminal Police Department, investigators from the Office of Criminal Investigations at the United States Embassy in Tirana, and the Prosecutor’s Office of the Tirana General Section, uncovered the true identity behind the fraudulent persona.

Detailed Breakdown of the Fraud Scheme

How the Scheme Operated:

• Initial Contact: High school graduates reported never meeting Klea Rama in person. All communication was conducted through a WhatsApp group named “Let’s Talk Together about US 24.”
• Project Presentation: The project was presented via emails, supposedly with the endorsement of the Minister of Education.
• False Identity: Klea Rama was introduced as a medical student in the US and an affiliate of the US State Department’s foreign office. Social media posts on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Instagram, referring to her as his niece, added to the deception.

The Scheme’s Execution:

• Promised Benefits: Graduates were promised scholarships and free travel to the USA, contingent on presenting innovative projects and passing a series of tests.
• Participation: 126 students with a GPA above 9 participated, with 44 finalists selected after three evaluation stages. Each school designated a teacher as a coordinator.

Discovery and Arrest:

• Investigation: The special investigative team discovered Hoxhalli’s true identity after an extensive investigation.
• Charges: Hoxhalli faces charges of “Computer Forgery” and “Forgery of Documents.”

Aftermath:

• Student Reactions: Following the revelation, outraged students sought explanations. Klea Rama maintained the facade, claiming the program’s legitimacy and provided a prosecutor’s number for students to report if they were asked for money in exchange for the visa.

This scandal has highlighted significant vulnerabilities in scholarship programs and the need for thorough vetting processes. The collaborative effort between local authorities and international bodies underscores the importance of addressing such fraudulent activities swiftly and effectively.