Albania's former president Meta is arrested for alleged money laundering, his party says

TIRANA, Albania — Albania's left-wing Freedom Party said Monday its leader and former Albanian president Ilir Meta has been arrested on alleged money laundering charges.

Meta, 55, was arrested in the capital, Tirana, by officers with the National Investigation Bureau, according to local media. Local television stations showed masked, plainclothes police officers taking Meta from his vehicle after he returned from neighboring Kosovo ahead of holding a news conference.

The party's secretary-general, Tedi Blushi, called it “a criminal kidnapping."

There was no immediate comment from the prosecutor's office.

Meta was Albania's previous president, serving from 2017-2022. He was being investigated for alleged illegal lobbying in the United States years ago. He and his former wife also have been investigated on allegations of hiding their personal property and income.

Meta has been a vocal opponent of the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing it of running a “kleptocratic regime” and concentrating all legislative, administrative and judiciary powers in Rama's hands.

Meta has served in the highest posts in post-communist Albania, including as prime minister, foreign minister and a lawmaker.