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The Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime has reacted directly for the first time to the debates about limiting its powers, warning that any legal intervention that violates the independence of the institution would pose a risk to the functioning of the rule of law.
In its annual report for 2025, SPAK emphasizes that it would consider "particularly concerning" any legal or institutional initiative that aims to limit its procedural means or independence in investigating corruption and organized crime.
According to the report, such interference would jeopardize the constitutional functioning of the Special Prosecutor's Office and undermine its ability to investigate both high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens equally.
Political pressure and investigation challenges
In the published document, SPAK acknowledges that investigating organized crime and high-level corruption remains one of the institution's main challenges. Another concern highlighted is political and media rhetoric, which according to the prosecution can affect public perception and the authority of the institution.
According to the report, this climate may also serve as a factor that increases the risk of threats against prosecutors from criminal groups.
Police referrals are increasing
This year's report also notes a change in the relationship between SPAK and the State Police. Unlike 2024, when there was criticism for a lack of referrals, during 2025, investigations initiated by police referrals increased by about 70 percent.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to be an important source of criminal reports, while politics has significantly reduced criminal complaints. According to the report, reports from political representatives have halved over the past year.
Significant reduction in prison incarceration
The SPAK report also addresses the public debate on the use of the measure of "prison arrest", an issue frequently commented on by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has stated that Albania ranks among the countries with the highest use of this measure.
According to prosecutor's office data, a significant decrease in this security measure was recorded during 2025. The number of arrests in prison decreased from 236 measures in 2024 to 110 measures during 2025.
Of these, about 4 percent are related to corruption offenses, while approximately 21 percent are related to organized crime offenses.
Court decisions and wiretapping
During 2025, courts found guilty and sentenced 197 people in cases investigated by SPAK. Of these, 108 were convicted of corruption and abuse of office.
In 21 other cases, the court has acquitted the defendants, dismissing the charges brought by the Special Prosecution Office.
The report also highlights the use of wiretapping as one of the main investigative tools. Last year, 3,004 telephone devices were tapped, of which 1,738 were tapped by court order, while the rest were tapped by prosecutorial authorization or by decisions to extend the tapping.
According to SPAK, data obtained from seized phones constitutes about 70–75 percent of the total evidence in the institution's investigations.
Unresolved issues
However, the report also highlights several structural problems that remain unresolved. Among them is the issue of the status of SPAK prosecutors after the end of their mandate, a topic that has not yet received a final solution in the legal framework.
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