Special Court grants SPAK three months to address gaps in case against former Deputy PM Ahmetaj
The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has granted the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) an additional three months to address deficiencies in its case file against former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. The case, dubbed the “Buka” (Albanian for bread) file, alleges “abuse of office” by Ahmetaj, resulting in an estimated economic loss of 7 billion lekë. According to prosecutors, Ahmetaj, during his tenure as Minister of Finance, ignored an administrative court ruling recognizing ownership of the former state enterprise, Buka, by a family with legitimate property documentation. Instead, he allegedly continued the privatization process to favor a private entrepreneur.
Why is this important: The court’s decision highlights the insufficient evidence presented by SPAK, signaling that the prosecution has not yet managed to substantiate its claims against Ahmetaj in this case. Without sufficient proof, the case cannot proceed to trial, further complicating efforts to prosecute high-profile corruption.
Context: The preliminary hearing was expected to move the case to trial, but the presiding prosecutor, requested an extension until March 10, 2025, to address the gaps in the investigative file. SPAK formally charged Ahmetaj with “abuse of office” and closed the investigation in December 2022. However, this delay casts doubt on the prosecution’s ability to build a robust case.
Ahmetaj has been internationally wanted since July 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption, money laundering, and hiding assets. Beyond the “Buka” case, he is implicated in the incinerators scandal, facing accusations of failing to declare or concealing assets, passive corruption of high-ranking officials, and laundering criminal proceeds.
Other suspects: The investigation also targets seven other individuals linked to the Ministry of Finance and businessman L.F., who allegedly benefited from the privatization process. According to SPAK, Ahmetaj maintained close ties with the businessman, enabling him to acquire shares in Buka sh.a. These connections, beyond the formal scope of institutional communication, were key to the allegations.
Ahmetaj’s broader legal troubles include accusations related to the incinerators case, involving six separate instances of passive corruption and systematic efforts to obscure illicit activities. Despite being a central figure in Albania’s political landscape, Ahmetaj has evaded arrest and remains a fugitive from justice.
What’s next: SPAK must now use the three-month extension to gather and present sufficient evidence to validate its claims. If the gaps in the investigation remain unaddressed, the case risks dismissal, complicating Albania’s fight against corruption at the highest levels. Meanwhile, Ahmetaj’s status as a fugitive continues to draw scrutiny on Albania’s ability to hold powerful officials accountable.
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