Ilir Meta
Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI)
Legal status
On trial
on-trial
What this means: A court is hearing the case. The person is presumed innocent until a final verdict.
Conflicting records. The research disagrees; every version is shown and none has been chosen as correct.
- Party
- LSIFrom the research record · cites:
- Former Albanian president remains in custody as trial continues (opens in a new tab)Gazeta Tema · 2026 · journalism · EN
- Former Albanian president back in court on corruption charges (opens in a new tab)Gazeta Tema · 2026 · journalism · EN
- Meta and ex-wife reject evidence in corruption trial (opens in a new tab)Gazeta Tema · 2026 · journalism · EN
- and 8 more in that record
- PLFrom the research record · cites:
- Albanian Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges (opens in a new tab)OCCRP · Oct 2024 · journalism · EN
- Albanian ex-President Ilir Meta charged with corruption and money laundering (opens in a new tab)AP · 27 May 2025 · journalism · EN
- Nen akuze per korrupsion e pastrim parash, GJKKO kalon per gjykim dosjen Meta-Kryemadhi (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 2026 · journalism · SQ
- and 3 more in that record
- LSIFrom the research record · cites:
Profile
Ilir Meta is a former President of Albania and a leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI). SPAK charged him with corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets in the CEZ-DIA affair (a contract between CEZ Shperndarje and the debt-collection firm DIA) and in a file on lobbying contracts in the United States. He was arrested in October 2024 and has been in pretrial detention since. The Special Court referred the joint case with Monika Kryemadhi to trial on 18 March 2026 (Wikipedia). Meta and his lawyers deny wrongdoing and say the CEZ-DIA file contains no evidence against him.
Response from Ilir Meta
Meta denies the allegations and says the CEZ-DIA file has no evidence against him (his lawyer Kujtim Cakrani, as reported by Shqiptarja and A2 CNN). Meta and Kryemadhi asked the court to call witnesses and appoint an independent expert (Albanian Daily News). Courts rejected his request to broadcast hearings (Balkanweb English). In 2026 hearings he and Kryemadhi challenged the prosecution evidence (Gazeta Tema, 'Meta and ex-wife reject evidence in corruption trial').
Other accounts in the research (3 fields worded differently)
This record appears in more than one research record. The main text above comes from one; the other versions are kept here unedited.
- Biography
- Ilir Meta is a former President of Albania and a leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI). SPAK charged him with corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets in the CEZ-DIA affair (a contract between CEZ Shperndarje and the debt-collection firm DIA) and in a file on lobbying contracts in the United States. He was arrested in October 2024 and has been in pretrial detention since. The Special Court referred the joint case with Monika Kryemadhi to trial on 18 March 2026 (Wikipedia). Meta and his lawyers deny wrongdoing and say the CEZ-DIA file contains no evidence against him.From the research record
- Former President of Albania and leader of the Freedom Party (Partia e Lirise). Arrested on 21 October 2024 by SPAK on charges tied to the CEZ-DIA case. Held in pre-trial custody since then. Sent to trial on the merits by the Special Court; the trial has had hearings.From the research record
- Legal status detail
- Formally charged by SPAK on 27 May 2025 (per Wikipedia summary) with corruption, money laundering and concealment/non-declaration of assets. Referred to trial on the merits on 18 March 2026 (Wikipedia, Monika Kryemadhi article). Trial hearings reported in 2026 (Balkanweb English, Gazeta Tema). In pretrial detention since his October 2024 arrest; appeals against detention rejected (Koha, Gazeta Tema, Albanian Daily News). No verdict found. Gazeta Tema reports a next hearing on 10 September 2026; outcome not found.From the research record
- Arrested 21 Oct 2024 (SPAK order). Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets in the CEZ-DIA file (indictment reported 2025). Special Court accepted SPAK's request and moved the case to trial on the merits; date of that decision reported as 18 March, year not stated in one source. Appeals court rejected his challenge to custody (Gazeta Tema, June 2026). Hearings are ongoing; the next session was reported for 10 September (year not stated).From the research record
- Response
- Meta denies the allegations and says the CEZ-DIA file has no evidence against him (his lawyer Kujtim Cakrani, as reported by Shqiptarja and A2 CNN). Meta and Kryemadhi asked the court to call witnesses and appoint an independent expert (Albanian Daily News). Courts rejected his request to broadcast hearings (Balkanweb English). In 2026 hearings he and Kryemadhi challenged the prosecution evidence (Gazeta Tema, 'Meta and ex-wife reject evidence in corruption trial').From the research record
- Calls the case a fabricated farce and describes SPAK as an instrument of Prime Minister Rama's political vendetta (Facebook post from detention, as reported). Lawyer Kujtim Cakrani says SPAK has no evidence against him and that there is nothing new in the CEZ-DIA file. Defence requested several witnesses including Edi Rama and an independent expert, and asked for live broadcast of hearings (Albanian Daily News, A2). Calls the trial a shameful process at the first hearing (Albanian Daily News).From the research record
Related cases
Sorted by reported money, then by linked people and their legal status. The money figure is the largest single reported figure, not a total.
From Apr 2010
CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi)
SPAK alleges that Ilir Meta used his influence to secure a lucrative contract between CEZ Shperndarje, the energy distributor, and DIA (Debt International Advisory), a debt-collection firm.…
Status: On trial at GJKKO (ordinary procedure); Meta in pretrial detention; no verdict found
From 11 Apr 2021
Patronazhistet scandal: the Socialist Party's patronage network and the April 2021 voter database
On 11 April 2021, two weeks before the 25 April 2021 parliamentary election, the Albanian online portal Lapsi.al published a database that it said was held by the Socialist Party (PS). Reports…
Status: Allegation disputed. No charges, no final court decision and no Commissioner decision on the database found. The seizure of Lapsi.al equipment was halted…
A case listed here names this person. It does not mean they are accused in it; read the case page.
Connections
Open the map →115 calls/messages 2010 (alleged)
Evidence: SPAK reportedly found 115 calls or messages between Meta and Ismailaj, April to September 2010; Meta denies wrongdoing.
- Investigation→CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi)Source label: Officially reported
Accused in CEZ-DIA
Evidence: Arrested 21 Oct 2024; charged May 2025; referred to trial (reported).
Former spouse
Evidence: Described as Meta's former wife in AP and Balkanweb reporting.
Vote to dismiss President Meta (9 Jun 2021, reported 104-7-3; Constitutional Court later rejected)
Evidence: European Western Balkans, 9 Jun 2021 (vote counts from search summary, UNVERIFIED).
- Investigation→CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi)Source label: Officially reported
Charged in CEZ-DIA case
Evidence: Meta and Kryemadhi formally charged 27 May 2025 (Wikipedia).
SMI joins PS pre-election alliance (2013); cabinet role reported
Evidence: SMI joined the Socialist Party in the 'Alliance for European Albania' on 1 April 2013 (Wikipedia summary); bne IntelliNews (July 2013) reported SMI as a coalition partner in the new cabinet. No list of SMI portfolios or the cabinet vote was found.
PD-LSI 'Bashkë Fitojmë' coalition for 2023 local elections
Evidence: Berisha and Meta met 26 Oct 2022; joint coalition announced 15 March 2023 under the name 'Bashkë Fitojmë' per Wikipedia summary; Berisha's candidates ran under Meta's party list.
- Communication→Patronazhistet scandal: the Socialist Party's patronage network and the April 2021 voter databaseSource label: Officially reported
President's office asked SPAK to investigate and halt the alleged misuse (April 2021)
Evidence: Exit report of the presidency letter.
Co-defendant set in CEZ-DIA referral (with Fatime Kryemadhi, Pirro Xhixho)
Evidence: Balkanweb reports the Meta-Kryemadhi file sent to trial with co-defendants Fatime Kryemadhi, Ema Çoku and Pirro Xhixho, who requested a shortened trial. Meta and Kryemadhi are not shown as Socialist Party members in; the PS link is only via the 2013 SMI alliance, UNVERIFIED).
President's criminal complaint, dropped 2019
Evidence: Tirana Prosecution dropped the complaint on 29 Dec 2019 and referred the matter to SPAK's field.
Meta's fourth nominee elected KLSH chair
Evidence: Exit.al: three earlier Meta proposals were rejected by the Socialist majority; the fourth was approved 108 votes.
What they said vs. what the documents show
What was said · unknown
Meta says the charges are a 'mafia-style scenario', calls for an international investigation, and says DIA was an American-created company with no link to his name (as reported via Shqiptarja; Meta's statements published with Hejsek and Pleskac testimony).
Speaker: Ilir Meta
Afera CEZ-DIA: Ilir Meta publikon deshmite e Hejsek dhe Tomas Pleskac; DIA ishte krijese amerikane (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja.com · unknown · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
SPAK reportedly holds 115 calls or messages between Meta and Ismailaj (April-September 2010) and testimony from former CEZ head Josef Hejsek; Meta has not been charged in the CEZ-DIA file as far as the sources show; he was questioned at SPAK. The file is not concluded.
- Former president Meta questioned by prosecutors about the CEZ-DIA case (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · unknown · journalism · EN
- Dosja po diskutohet: kontrata CEZ-DIA, 115 telefonata (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja.com · unknown · journalism · SQ
What was said · Nov 2024
Calls the case a fabricated farce; describes SPAK as an instrument of Prime Minister Rama's political vendetta (Facebook post from custody, as reported).
Speaker: Ilir Meta
Facebook post from custody as reported in search summary (original post not retrieved) (opens in a new tab)A2 CNN Albania (reference only; statement text not confirmed on this page) · 2026 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
Charges were filed and the Special Court sent the case to trial on the merits. Court has not ruled on guilt.
- Former Albanian president remains in custody as trial continues (opens in a new tab)Gazeta Tema · Jun 2026 · journalism · EN
What was said · 2026
Defence lawyer Kujtim Cakrani: SPAK has no evidence against Ilir Meta; nothing new in the CEZ-DIA file (reported).
Speaker: Ilir Meta
Meta's file ready for trial, SPAK communicated the charges, lawyer: nothing new (opens in a new tab)A2 CNN Albania · 2026 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
SPAK's charges are in the indictment; Special Court referred the case to trial, which indicates a judicial finding that the evidence merits trial (not a verdict).
- Nen akuze per korrupsion e pastrim parash, GJKKO kalon per gjykim (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 2026 · journalism · SQ
What was said · Apr 2021
The President's office asked SPAK to open an investigation, seize evidence and halt the alleged misuse of personal data by the PS (as reported by Exit).
Speaker: Ilir Meta
President Urges Prosecution to Investigate Allegations of 'Stealth and Abuse' of Voters Data by Ruling Party (opens in a new tab)Exit News · Apr 2021 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
A request, not a finding. No SPAK response to the letter was found.
Timeline
Government
SMI joins PS in 'Alliance for European Albania'
Pre-election alliance between PS and Ilir Meta's SMI, per Wikipedia summary; cabinet participation reported by IntelliNews (July 2013) but portfolios not confirmed.
Parliament
Justice-reform consensus announced after Hahn-proposed wording on international partners in vetting
Top Channel reports that EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn proposed the wording on the role of international partners in vetting, which led to a consensus. Lulzim Basha (PD leader) announced that consensus; Edi Rama (PS) welcomed it; Ilir Meta (Speaker) welcomed it and thanked Hahn; Bujar Nishani (President) congratulated the actors. The page gives no vote count. Shqiptarja (21 Jul 2016) names US Ambassador Donald Lu, EU delegation head Romana Vlahutin, Victoria Nuland, PD negotiator Oerd Bylykbashi, LSI negotiator Ylli Manjani, PS group leader Gramoz Ruçi and committee chair Fatmir Xhafaj as negotiators or attendees.
Linked: Johannes Hahn · Lulzim Basha · Edi Rama · Ilir Meta · Bujar Nishani · Donald Lu · Romana Vlahutin · Victoria Nuland · Oerd Bylykbashi · Ylli Manjani · Gramoz Ruçi · Fatmir Xhafaj
Parliament
Constitutional justice-reform amendments passed unanimously, 140 votes (as reported)
Shqiptarja (21 Jul 2016, updated text) reports the vote took place at 00:46 on 22 July 2016 with 140 votes in favour, equal to the full Assembly, and says the package passed with votes from majority and opposition MPs. No per-party breakdown is given in the fetched text. Edi Rama (PS) led the majority's support, PD leader Lulzim Basha said PD's vote was for the reform, and Speaker Ilir Meta had said before the vote that LSI's votes were for the reform. Single press source for the count; not checked against the Kuvendi record.
Linked: Edi Rama · Lulzim Basha · Ilir Meta
Parliament
Vetting law passed by majority alone, 88 votes for, 1 abstention; opposition left the chamber
Top Channel (30 Aug 2016) reports the vetting law passed with 88 votes in favour and 1 abstention, out of 89 MPs present, with the opposition leaving the chamber before the vote, calling it a 'farce'. The article does not name the parties behind the votes. PM Rama said there could be no consensus against the international partners and accused the opposition of breaking consensus; Berisha said Rama had broken it; Speaker Meta urged the opposition to return to consensus. Single press source for the count.
Linked: Edi Rama · Sali Berisha · Ilir Meta
Other
President Ilir Meta asks SPAK to investigate
Per Exit, the presidency wrote to SPAK asking it to open an investigation, seize evidence and halt the alleged misuse of personal data by the PS during the campaign. The exact day was not in the retrieved text. The PS denied wrongdoing and said the data came from door-to-door canvassing, as reported in the same coverage. No SPAK response to this letter was found.
Linked: Patronazhistet scandal: the Socialist Party's patronage network and the April 2021 voter database · Ilir Meta
Parliament
Parliament votes to dismiss President Ilir Meta; Constitutional Court later rejects the dismissal
Reported vote 104 in favour, 7 against, 3 abstentions (search summary; not verified against Kuvendi record). The Constitutional Court subsequently rejected the parliamentary dismissal. Included because it is a documented Kuvendi roll-call on a senior official; this is NOT an immunity-lifting vote.
Linked: Ilir Meta
SPAK
SPAK orders arrest of Ilir Meta (CEZ-DIA)
Monika Kryemadhi ordered to report to police. Meta in custody since.
Linked: CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi) · Ilir Meta · Monika Kryemadhi
SPAK
Ilir Meta and Kryemadhi charged (AP report)
Charges of corruption and money laundering reported by AP.
Linked: CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi) · Ilir Meta · Monika Kryemadhi
SPAK
SPAK formally charges Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi
Charges of corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets, linked to CEZ-DIA and the US lobbying file (Wikipedia).
Linked: CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi) · Ilir Meta · Monika Kryemadhi
Court
CEZ-DIA case sent to trial on the merits
The Special Court of First Instance referred the case against Meta and Kryemadhi to trial (Wikipedia). Balkanweb English reports the court also accepted a shortened-trial request for three other defendants.
Linked: CEZ-DIA affair and US lobbying file (Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi) · Ilir Meta · Monika Kryemadhi
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 27 sources.
Source label: VerifiedVerified · 1 source
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 2 Jul 2020
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 18 sources
- Publisher
- Gazeta Tema
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Gazeta Tema
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Gazeta Tema
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- Mar 2026
- Publisher
- Albanian Daily News
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Transparency International (CEPI)
- Date
- 2024
- Publisher
- OCCRP
- Date
- 2024
- Publisher
- Gazeta Tema
- Date
- 2025
- Publisher
- A2 CNN
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Wikipedia
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- AP
- Date
- 27 May 2025
- Publisher
- Albanian Daily News
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- exit.al
- Date
- not recorded
- Publisher
- seenews.com
- Date
- not recorded
- Publisher
- shqiptarja.com
- Date
- not recorded
- Publisher
- Exit News
- Date
- Apr 2021
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 29 Dec 2019
Source label: Under investigationUnder investigation · 4 sources
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- A2 CNN Albania (reference only; statement text not confirmed on this page)
- Date
- 2026
Source label: UnverifiedUnverified · 4 sources
- Publisher
- European Western Balkans
- Date
- 9 Jun 2021
- Publisher
- bne IntelliNews
- Date
- Jul 2013
- Publisher
- Wikipedia
- Date
- 2013
- Publisher
- Wikipedia
- Date
- 2023