In a significant political and legal development, Albania's former president, Ilir Meta, was arrested on Monday afternoon by the police under an order from the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). The arrest follows a multi-year investigation into Meta and his wife, Monika Kryemadhi, who are facing charges of corruption, money laundering, and failure to declare assets, local media reports.
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| Ilir Meta and Samir Mane, the Albanian Parliament as background (montage) |
SPAK has accused Meta of corrupt influence and financial gains in connection with the CEZ-DIA case, a controversial energy deal, and an alleged corrupt arrangement to amend a law at the request of businessman Samir Mane. According to SPAK, although Mane is not facing charges because the statute of limitations has expired, Meta and Kryemadhi accepted promises of illegal benefits in exchange for political favors.
Accusations of Corruption in the Rolling Hills Residential Complex
One of the most significant allegations centers around a luxury villa in the Rolling Hills Residential Complex, which Meta and Kryemadhi are accused of acquiring through a corrupt arrangement with businessman Samir Mane. According to SPAK's investigation, the couple initially accepted an offer from Mane to secure a villa in the exclusive complex. However, after the Greek Ambassador in Tirana and others became aware of the deal, Meta and Kryemadhi abandoned the agreement but had already accepted the promise of the property.
SPAK's report, a copy of which was obtained by BIRN, states: “Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi accepted Samir Mane’s offer for a villa in Rolling Hills. Although they later withdrew after the deal became public knowledge, they had already accepted the promise.”
SPAK further alleges that the couple's influence extended beyond this single case. Kryemadhi, as a member of parliament and Meta’s wife, is said to have used her political position to resolve business-related issues for Mane, particularly in dealing with state agencies such as the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) and the State Bailiff Office.
Undeclared Property and Financial Transactions
In addition to the villa, it is alleged that Mane purchased another property from Meta and Kryemadhi in Qerret for €300,000 in cash—a transaction that was not declared by Meta in his periodic asset declarations to the High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets (ILDKPKI). Mane’s wife is also suspected of financing trips and luxurious events, including concerts for Meta’s daughters in Paris and London.
Meta and Kryemadhi Deny the Allegations
Ilir Meta, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, compared his arrest to being kidnapped. “My abduction today in the most bandit-like manner shows the panic of the dictatorial regime in facing the truth,” Meta wrote. He expressed confidence in his innocence, stating, “I feel stronger than ever and believe in my full innocence.”
Monika Kryemadhi also dismissed the accusations during a press conference, claiming that Meta was unaware of her discussions regarding the villa in Rolling Hills. “I wanted to acquire a villa without Meta’s knowledge,” Kryemadhi said, adding that she planned to finance the purchase by selling a house in Tirana’s upscale Blloku neighborhood.
Businessman Samir Mane Responds
Through a spokesperson, Samir Mane stated that he could not comment on the allegations involving Meta and Kryemadhi, as he is not facing any charges. “There are no accusations against me,” Mane said. “I cannot comment on the accusations against others, especially when there has not been a final court decision.”
SPAK has not responded to BIRN’s inquiries about Mane’s role in the investigation.
Allegations of a Long-Standing Corrupt Relationship
SPAK claims that the relationship between Mane and the Meta-Kryemadhi couple spans at least two decades. In 2007, Mane purchased a property from Meta in Qerret, which Meta had bought in 2002 for $60,000 and sold to Mane for €300,000 in cash. This profit was not declared in Meta’s asset declarations between 2007 and 2009.
SPAK’s investigation includes communications between Kryemadhi and Mane from 2013 to 2014, revealing that Kryemadhi used her influence to resolve business issues Mane faced with regulatory bodies, including AKEP and the State Bailiff Office.
Lobbying for Changes to the Mining Law
One of the most serious allegations involves Meta and Kryemadhi’s lobbying for amendments to Albania’s mining laws in 2014, allegedly in favor of Mane’s company, Albchrome. According to SPAK, Mane sought Kryemadhi’s assistance in securing favorable changes to a law that would benefit his mining operations in Bulqizë, which he had acquired in 2013. SPAK’s evidence includes communications between Kryemadhi, Mane, and former LSI lawmaker Përparim Spahiu.
While Mane testified that he had no business dealings with Meta or Kryemadhi and never asked for their help, SPAK’s investigation suggests otherwise, particularly concerning the mining law amendments, which were passed based on proposals from Socialist Party MP Esmeralda Shkjau.
Conclusion: Corruption Charges and Political Fallout
SPAK concludes that Meta and Kryemadhi engaged in corrupt activities, including accepting the promise of a luxury villa, in exchange for political favors. Although they eventually withdrew from the villa deal after it became public, SPAK insists that the crime of corruption was already committed when the promise was accepted.
The case marks a significant moment in Albania’s ongoing fight against high-level corruption, with the former president now facing serious charges. Both Meta and Kryemadhi have vowed to fight the allegations, while the broader implications for Albania’s political landscape remain to be seen.