Arben Ahmetaj: SPAK money-laundering and corruption investigation ('Buka' file)
Status: Under SPAK investigation; arrest approved by parliament; extradition request pending as reported.
Summary
SPAK is investigating former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Arben Ahmetaj on several charges, reported as money laundering, corruption, concealment of assets and abuse of office. Two proceedings were reportedly merged. The 'Buka' file, returned from the court (GJKKO) to SPAK in December 2024, is one strand.
Parliament approved SPAK's request for his arrest with 117 votes. He left the country and sought asylum in Switzerland (2023, per FTM). Albania sent an extradition request to Switzerland (reported 2025). Courts upheld asset sequestration. The allegations are not established in court. He denies them.
Key facts
- Removed from government in July 2022 after a power struggle with Rama (FTM).
- Parliament approved arrest with 117 votes (reported).
- Asset sequestration upheld on appeal (reported).
- Extradition request to Switzerland (2025, per Ministry of Justice).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Parliament approved the arrest request and the asset seizure was upheld on appeal (procedural decisions).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationMoney laundering and corruption (not yet tried).
Allegations and who made them (2)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationMoney laundering and concealment of assets (SPAK charges as reported).
- AllegationCorruption and abuse of office (SPAK charges as reported).
Open questions (2)
- Is Ahmetaj's case linked to laundering through construction or real estate (not stated in the sources reviewed)?
- Did the Swiss extradition proceed?
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Ahmetaj denies the charges and says American lawyers found him not guilty (A2 News).
Figures
Money trail →Asset sequestration of Arben Ahmetaj (upheld on appeal)
No amount recorded
seizureSource label: Officially reportedStated definition: Asset value not found in the sources reviewed.
Date: unknown · Payer: not applicable · Payee: state (sequestration)
- The court upholds the seizure of the properties of former minister Arben Ahmetaj (opens in a new tab)ABC News Albania · unknown · journalism · EN
Timeline
Full timeline →Parliament
Parliament approves SPAK arrest request for Arben Ahmetaj (117 votes)
Parliament approved SPAK's request for the arrest of former Deputy PM Arben Ahmetaj with 117 votes in favour. He was reported abroad, location unknown. Date given as approximate; sources do not give the day.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 5 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 5 sources
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- ABC News Albania
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- A2 News
- Date
- Dec 2024
- Publisher
- SHTEG
- Date
- 2025
- Publisher
- ABC News Albania
- Date
- unknown