Ilir Meta, Albania’s former president from 2017 to 2022, has been arrested by the National Investigation Bureau in Tirana on allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The 55-year-old leader of the left-wing Freedom Party was taken into custody, sparking a strong reaction from his party. Secretary-General Tedi Blushi condemned the arrest, calling it a “criminal kidnapping.”

Meta has been under investigation for alleged illegal lobbying in the United States. The arrest marks a significant development in Albania’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption.

Ilir Meta, former Albanian president, was arrested on the following charges:

Ilir Meta, former Albanian president, was arrested by the National Investigation Bureau in Tirana on allegations of

– Corruption

– Money laundering

He was the leader of the left-wing Freedom Party.