Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has officially filed charges against former president Ilir Meta, who was detained last year.
According to Associated Press, Albanian prosecutors on Tuesday handed Meta a 192-page indictment accusing him of corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and concealing assets from authorities.
Similar charges have been filed against Meta’s former wife, Monika Kryemadhi, currently a member of Albania’s parliament. Two other individuals involved in the investigation are also accused of corruption and money laundering.
SPAK alleges that Meta, during his time as Minister of Economy, Trade, and Energy, abused his power to influence various businesses from which he and Kryemadhi profited substantially.
Meta also failed to report around $460,000 spent on lobbying efforts in the United States.
If convicted, the former president faces up to 12 years in prison.
Commenting on the charges, Meta said he "can’t wait for the trial to begin," claiming it will be public and will reveal to the world that SPAK is a structure under the control of the current government.
Ilir Meta has held some of Albania’s highest offices, including prime minister, foreign minister, speaker of parliament, and president (2017–2022). He was arrested in October 2024 on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.
In recent months, Albania has launched several high-profile anti-corruption investigations targeting former officials, including ex-president and former prime minister Sali Berisha.
At the same time, the Albanian opposition continues to stage protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, accusing it of power consolidation and authoritarianism.
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