It cost 1bn and it's a dog shelter': red faces as Italy's Albania migrant centres lie empty

The Italian plan to process 3,000 intercepted migrants monthly in Albania has faltered, with only 24 asylum seekers ever sent there, raising concerns over effectiveness.

Italian police officers caught on tape at a luxury hotel admitted that they were paid to act as tourists, while the migrant facilities remained empty.

Opposition parties in Italy condemned the 1 billion euro deal with Albania as a financial disaster, highlighting the strain it places on Italy's budget.

European Commission's new model for migrant holding outside the EU has been undermined by Italian judges ruling it unlawful to detain migrants in Albania.

Read at www.theguardian.com