Former Albanian President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges
Former Albanian President Ilir Meta, who served from 2017 to 2022, was arrested by police in Albania on corruption charges, leading to a tense confrontation due to the use of force during his detainment. Meta, now the leader of the center-left opposition Freedom Party, faced accusations of passive corruption, non-disclosure of wealth, and money laundering.
Corruption Allegations and Accusations
The SPAK anti-corruption office in Albania claimed that Meta had received kickbacks and hidden assets through illicit schemes involving foreign debt collection. Prosecutors also asserted that he and his ex-wife, Monika Kryemadhi, benefited from questionable business deals influenced by their political power. Allegations date back to Meta’s tenure as finance minister and include claims of accepting lobbying payments and financial discrepancies.
Political Fallout and Responses
Meta’s arrest highlighted shifting political alliances in Albania, with former allies turned rivals exchanging accusations of corruption. As one of the poorest countries in Europe, corruption remains a significant concern, hindering the nation’s EU membership aspirations. If convicted, Meta could face a lengthy prison sentence, prompting warnings of potential protests from his party representatives.
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