The Albanian special prosection for organised crime and corruption, otherwise known as SPAK, has launched investigations into former president Ilir Meta almost two months after the end of his term as head of state.
SPAK has requested from the Central Election Commission a copy of his self-declaration form, which is a document filed by anyone running in an election. The document must include information on their circumstances, criminal record, and other matters and filling it out incorrectly or not including information is a criminal offence.
“Based on the interest of many journalists at SPAK, regarding a request that SPAK sent to the CEC, we clarify that that request is part of the investigations being carried out by the Special Prosecutor’s Office within the framework of the criminal proceedings registered on the basis of the report of citizen Halit Valteri. We have no other information to provide. Investigations continue”, SPAK clarified.
Halit, a former MP in June claimed Meta of active and passive corruption in the private sector, concealment of wealth, failure to pay taxes and duties and abuse of office.
“For the purpose of the investigation of this criminal proceeding, we request a copy of the self-declaration form in accordance with the law ‘On guaranteeing the integrity of persons who are elected, appointed or exercise public functions’, submitted by the former deputy Ilir Meta”, the request of SPAK states, signed by Arben Kraja.
Just yesterday, Meta said he intends to sue the File Authorities over an announcement that he was an informant of the infamous communist secret service called the Sigurimi. This should have precluded him from running for public office, but a previous decision that found him ‘clean’ is not legally able to be addressed.
“No file exists and cannot exist for Ilir Rexhep Meta… I tell you that on September 1st, I will sue the authority for the manipulation of files for violations”, said Meta in a press conference.
