Albania anti-corruption probe arrests

In late July 2026, Albanian politician Këlliçi was elected deputy chairman of the Democratic Party amid protests. Shortly after, businessman Ermal Beqiri was detained in France following an Interpol alert linked to a Special Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) investigation into alleged irregularities in contracts with the Albanian Energy and Water Company (AKSHI). French police seized luxury assets, including a €1 million yacht, a €2.6 million castle and other valuables. The arrest unsettled former AKSHI directors such as Ergys Agasi, who sought a new safe‑house amid fears that seized communications could broaden the probe. Albanian officials awaited the outcome of the extradition request.

On 3 August 2026, Albania’s Ministry of Justice formally transmitted the full extradition dossier to French authorities. The request lists seven alleged offences—illegal competition, abuse of public tender processes at AKSHI and active corruption among them—and asks for the seizure of Beqiri’s assets valued at over €2 million. The filing follows Albanian legal procedures and the European Convention on Extradition, which sets a 40‑day deadline after arrest. The extradition process remains pending, while political scrutiny of the anti‑corruption drive continues.