Ilir Meta, Former President of Albania Arrested on Corruption Charges
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Ilir Meta, leader of the opposition Freedom Party in Albania, was detained in Tirana after returning from Kosovo. His arrest stirred controversy, with the party’s spokesperson, Tedi Blushi, condemning the action as inappropriate.
Blushi criticized the government’s move and warned that it could lead to protests, hinting that the public might react strongly against what he sees as an unjust action. The incident reportedly involved special forces removing Meta from his vehicle despite his apparent resistance.
Meta’s arrest may be linked to ongoing investigations by Albania’s Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK), potentially related to the long-running CEZ-DIA corruption case. This case involves allegations of corruption following the privatization of Albania’s energy distribution system, a controversy Meta has faced before. Tensions surrounding his detention suggest that this development could fuel further political conflict in the country
Ilir Meta is accused of corruption, money laundering, and concealing his wealth, according to local media reports. His arrest was carried out under the orders of the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption (SPAK). At 55, Meta has held significant positions in the Albanian government, including President from 2017 to 2022, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament. He was initially elected president with the support of the Socialist Party led by Edi Rama, but their relationship has deteriorated over time.
In the context of the corruption allegations against Ilir Meta, Monika Kryemadhi, his ex-wife, claimed that the accusations are false and described her situation as a “farce,” stating that she is required to report to the police periodically. The Special Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption (SPAK) has indicated that Meta allegedly obtained “a considerable sum of money” during his tenure as Minister of Economy, linked to a scheme involving debt collection for a foreign company
Additional allegations against Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi include illegal payments to a lobbying firm in the United States, the purchase of a €335,000 apartment, and the failure to declare over €100,000 for medical treatments at private clinics. Furthermore, local media have reported that two individuals close to the couple have also been indicted.