In the investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has issued several search warrants.

The National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) is conducting searches at the coastal residence of Arben Ahmetaj and his partner in Hamallaj, as well as his apartment in Tirana.

The Albanian Parliament voted on July 14 to lift Arben Ahmetaj’s immunity as a member of the parliament, paving the way for his arrest, as well as searches in his properties.

117 deputies, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, voted in favor of SPAK’s request to arrest Ahmetaj, while three deputies who were present at that meeting, abstained.

After voting in favor of lifting Ahmetaj’s immunity, Prime Minister Edi Rama declared it is now up to the justice institutions to thoroughly investigate and conclude whether Ahmetaj is guilty or not.

The Prime Minister reminded that the Socialist Party will not tolerate anyone who abuses their position for personal benefits.

Arben Ahmetaj is currently under investigation for passive corruption, concealment of assets, and money laundering. He is the highest-ranking official ever faced with the measure of arrest in Albania.

According to Ahmetaj’s lawyer Henrik Ligori, the former Deputy Prime Minister is currently in Great Britain with his daughter, and will return to Albania when he believes “the truth will be revealed”.

Despite confirming his departure from Albania, the police may declare Arben Ahmetaj as internationally wanted if he is not sought within the country in a period of three weeks following domestic searches after the court decision. Procedure has it that partner law enforcement agencies will be notified to locate and arrest him.

The case file against Arben Ahmetaj involves other individuals as well, with several businessmen reportedly on the list.