The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has dealt another blow to former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha in the “2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report,” which was signed in March by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The report mentions that Berisha has been indicted for corruption, as he enriched his family through illicit means. It also reiterates that the former prime minister is declared persona non grata by the United States.
The report further highlights that Berisha’s son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, is under investigation for his involvement in the “Partizani File.”
In addition, the report commends the work of Albania’s judicial institutions, especially SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution). The report notes:
“SPAK has increased the number and complexity of investigations into money laundering and asset seizures and has conducted parallel financial and asset investigations when suspecting illegal wealth. However, criminal prosecutions remain low. In 2023, SPAK seized assets worth $43 million, and in 2024, it continued with arrests and seizures of properties from former high-ranking officials. In September 2024, SPAK charged former Prime Minister Sali Berisha under the ‘Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021,’ Section 7031(c), for corruption in actions benefiting his family’s interests. SPAK also charged his son-in-law with corruption and money laundering. SPAK seized real estate, bank accounts, and the son-in-law’s shares in companies linked to corruption,” the report states.
The report also emphasizes that Albania must continue to implement judicial reforms and take a firm stance against organized crime and corruption.
“Albania must enforce existing laws, follow regulatory guidelines, conduct effective oversight, improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and expand the capacity of police and prosecutors to focus on corruption, money laundering, and complex economic crimes. Albania should fully implement the criminal code reforms of 2016 and 2017,” the report concludes.
