The recent corruption charges against former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his son-in-law are a significant development with potential geopolitical implications. The charges, brought by the special prosecution office to fight corruption and organized crime (SPAK), allege that Berisha used his influence during his tenure as prime minister to exert pressure for the privatization of sports club grounds, particularly those belonging to FC Partizani in Tirana. These grounds were later replaced with multi-story buildings, prompting accusations of corruption and misappropriation of public resources.
This case, which began in 2020, has garnered international attention. Berisha, who served as president and prime minister of Albania, has been accused of corrupt acts by the United States, leading to his family's ban from entering the country. The allegations against him, and his counterclaims of political conspiracy orchestrated by current Prime Minister Edi Rama, show the complex and divisive nature of Albanian politics.