On May 27, 2025, Albania’s former President Ilir Meta was formally charged with corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and concealing assets from authorities, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing fight against high-level political corruption. The charges were announced by Meta’s lawyer, Kujtim Cakrani, who revealed that the accusations were detailed in a comprehensive 192-page indictment prepared by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Albania’s elite anti-corruption prosecution office.
Meta, aged 56, who served as president from 2017 to 2022 and is founder of the left-leaning Freedom Party, has been a vocal critic of the current government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama. He has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, accusing SPAK of acting as a puppet for Rama’s Socialist Party. The case also involves Meta’s ex-wife, Monika Kryemadhi, a prominent lawmaker and former leader of the Freedom Party, who faces similar allegations.
Background: Meta’s Political Career and Arrest
Ilir Meta has been a dominant figure in Albanian politics since the fall of communism, holding nearly every major governmental position, including legislator, minister of economy, trade and energy, deputy prime minister, prime minister, parliamentary speaker, and president. His extensive political career has been marked by both influence and controversy.
Meta was arrested in October 2024 by the National Investigation Bureau in Tirana. The arrest was forceful, involving masked plainclothes police officers who detained him as he returned from Kosovo, an event that drew significant media attention and political outcry. Meta’s defense lawyers and Freedom Party officials condemned the arrest as a “criminal kidnapping” and political persecution ahead of Albania’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2025.
Details of the Charges
Corruption and Money Laundering Allegations
SPAK prosecutors allege that Meta abused his official positions, particularly during his tenure as minister of economy, trade, and energy (2009-2011), to influence business dealings for personal financial gain. The indictment details how Meta and Kryemadhi allegedly manipulated policies to benefit businesses connected to them, resulting in significant illicit profits.
A key element of the charges involves the acquisition of a duplex apartment in the “former block” area of Tirana, purchased with approximately €645,000. Prosecutors claim this sum was sourced through illegal activities, with a bank loan used as a cover to launder the funds into the financial system.
Tax Evasion and Concealment of Assets
Meta and Kryemadhi are also accused of failing to declare substantial personal income and assets. The indictment cites undeclared medical expenses exceeding €106,000, paid mostly in cash from 2013 to 2019. Additionally, Meta reportedly did not account for around €460,000 spent on lobbying efforts in the United States, further raising suspicions of financial misconduct.
The couple allegedly concealed ownership of properties and other assets, violating Albanian laws requiring full transparency of wealth for public officials. These actions constitute
“refusal to declare, non-declaration, concealment, and false declaration of assets,”
according to SPAK.
Political Context and Reactions
Meta’s Response and Political Accusations
Meta has consistently denied all wrongdoing, framing the prosecution as a politically motivated attack orchestrated by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government to suppress opposition. On social media, Meta expressed eagerness for a public trial, confident it would expose SPAK as an “anti-opposition task force” serving Rama’s interests.
The political rivalry between Meta’s Freedom Party and Rama’s Socialist Party has intensified, especially after the May 11, 2025 parliamentary elections, where Rama’s party won a commanding majority with 83 out of 140 seats. Meta’s charges and arrest have deepened political polarization in Albania, with opposition figures warning of democratic backsliding.
Government and Judicial Stance
SPAK, supported by the European Union and the United States, has spearheaded Albania’s judicial reforms aimed at tackling endemic corruption that has long hindered the country’s democratic and economic development. The prosecution’s detailed investigation and international cooperation with countries including the US, Austria, Italy, San Marino, and Cyprus underscore the seriousness of the case.
Prime Minister Rama has not publicly commented on Meta’s charges but has emphasized Albania’s commitment to EU accession, which requires robust anti-corruption measures. The case is seen as a litmus test for Albania’s judicial independence and willingness to hold powerful figures accountable.
Broader Implications for Albania
Corruption’s Impact on Albania’s EU Ambitions
Albania’s bid for European Union membership has been repeatedly stalled due to concerns over corruption, weak rule of law, and political interference in the judiciary. The Meta case is emblematic of the challenges facing Albania as it seeks to demonstrate progress in governance reforms.
The EU and international partners have invested heavily in establishing institutions like SPAK to investigate and prosecute corruption at the highest levels. Successful prosecution of former leaders like Meta could bolster Albania’s credibility, while perceived political manipulation risks undermining reform efforts.
Public Perception and Democratic Stability
The high-profile nature of the charges against Meta and his ex-wife has sparked intense public debate. Some see the prosecution as a necessary step toward ending impunity for Albania’s political elite. Others view it as a continuation of politically motivated prosecutions that weaken democratic norms and deepen societal divisions.
The case also raises questions about the transparency and accountability of Albania’s political system, the independence of its judiciary, and the influence of entrenched interests on governance.
Other Corruption Cases in Albania
Ilir Meta is not the only senior Albanian politician facing corruption charges. Sali Berisha, a former prime minister and president and current opposition lawmaker, is also under investigation for corruption-related offenses and awaits trial. These cases collectively highlight the endemic nature of corruption in Albania’s post-communist political landscape.
The ongoing judicial efforts reflect a broader push to dismantle networks of patronage and illicit enrichment that have stymied Albania’s democratic and economic progress for decades.
A Defining Moment for Albania’s Fight Against Corruption
The formal charges against former President Ilir Meta mark a critical juncture in Albania’s struggle to confront high-level corruption and strengthen the rule of law. The case encapsulates the complex interplay of politics, justice, and reform in a country striving for European integration.
While Meta and his supporters decry the charges as political persecution, the detailed allegations and international cooperation behind the investigation underscore the seriousness of the accusations. The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching implications for Albania’s democratic institutions, political culture, and EU accession prospects.
As Albania navigates this turbulent chapter, the world watches closely to see whether justice will prevail over political interests and whether the country can finally break free from the cycle of corruption that has long held it back.
