Albanian businessman Ermal Beqiri extradition request sent to France

Albania’s Ministry of Justice has formally transmitted the full extradition dossier for businessman Ermal Beqiri to French authorities. Beqiri, suspected of seven criminal offences—including illegal competition, abuse of public tender processes at the Albanian Energy and Water Company (AKSHI), and active corruption—was arrested in France after flying a private aircraft near a nuclear power plant.

The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has also sought the seizure of Beqiri’s assets, which total over €2 million and include bank accounts, two apartments, a castle in the Oise department and several vehicles. The extradition request follows Albanian legal procedures and the European Convention on Extradition, which sets a 40‑day deadline for submission after an arrest.

The arrest has unsettled former AKSHI directors, notably Ergys Agasi, who is reportedly looking for a new safe haven amid fears that seized communications could expand the investigation.