BUKA bread-factory privatisation (Arben Ahmetaj case)
Status: On trial in absentia (GJKKO); no verdict found
Summary
SPAK sent former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj to trial over the privatisation of the BUKA company, charging abuse of office. SPAK reportedly requested 22 witnesses. Ahmetaj is tried in absentia after leaving Albania. A preliminary hearing was reported in 2025 and proceedings were under way on 11 February 2026.
Key facts
- Charge: abuse of office linked to the privatisation of BUKA (Balkanweb, 11 Feb 2026, fetched).
- Trial in absentia (Balkanweb, 11 Feb 2026).
- SPAK sent the file to trial on 7 December (year not confirmed in search summary).
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.
- Trial is open at the GJKKO (reported).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationAbuse of office in the BUKA privatisation (SPAK allegation).
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationAbuse of office, BUKA privatisation (SPAK, as reported).
Open questions (2)
- Verdict and date of the 2025-2026 trial sessions.
- Party membership of Ahmetaj not confirmed.
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Defence lawyers said he is abroad; claim unverified (search summary).
Timeline
Full timeline →SPAK
SPAK notice: Arben Ahmetaj charged with three offences (case 277/1 of 2022)
Charges: asset concealment or false declaration (Art. 257/a), passive corruption of senior officials (Art. 260), money laundering (Art. 287 para. 2).
Parliament
Assembly approves SPAK request to arrest Arben Ahmetaj (117 votes in favour)
Parliamentary approval of SPAK's arrest request. Shteg (17 Nov 2025) reports he has been internationally wanted since July 2023.
International
Ministry of Justice files extradition request for Arben Ahmetaj with Switzerland
Reported by Shteg. Buka case to proceed in absentia.
Court
Ahmetaj BUKA trial proceeds in absentia
Special Court proceedings for abuse of office linked to the BUKA privatisation; defendant tried in absentia.
Connections
Defendant tried in absentia
Evidence: Balkanweb 11 Feb 2026 (fetched).
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 4 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 4 sources
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 11 Feb 2026
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- 10 Jul 2023
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- 15 Jul 2023
- Publisher
- Shteg.org
- Date
- 17 Nov 2025