The leader of the Freedom Party in Albania, Ilir Meta, was arrested on October 21 on the orders of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) under suspicion of "corruption, money laundering, non-declaration and concealment of assets." Investigations into Meta began in 2019 in connection with the so-called ÇEZ-DIA affair, which relates to the privatization of the energy distribution company and the collection of outstanding debts. Three years later, another case was opened following a complaint about undeclared payments worth thousands of euros made by Meta's party for lobbying in the United States. Ilir Meta's arrest at the time drew attention as he was dragged from his vehicle. Since the former president was placed in custody, this was his first public appearance. However, what stood out was Meta's physical change as he spoke from behind the glass cage during the court hearing. In videos Meta posted just days before his arrest, he appeared to be in good physical shape, jogging in various locations across Albania.