On 3 November 2025, the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO) in Albania convicted former MP Jurgis Çyrbja of three criminal counts and sentenced him to 2 years in prison. Alongside him, co-defendant Altin Hajri was sentenced to 2 years, and Ahmet Masha to 1 year and 8 months.
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| Jurgis Çyrbja and in the background the SPAK office |
Background of the Case
Çyrbja, formerly a deputy from the ruling Socialist Party of Albania (PS) and earlier director of the Durrës Cadastre Agency, was first arrested in October 2024 by the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) on allegations of abuse of office and links with organised crime.
The indictment alleged that he:
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Engaged in active election corruption under Article 328 of the Criminal Code;
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Supported perpetrators of crime (Art. 302/1-2) by facilitating their evasion of law enforcement;
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Disclosed state secrets (Art. 295/1) by sharing operational information from the police with wanted criminals;
According to the prosecution, encrypted chats via the Sky ECC platform were key evidence in linking Çyrbja with criminal figures like Hajri and Masha.
Hajri and Masha were indicted alongside Çyrbja and tried together in the shortened (summary) procedure.
The Verdict & Sentences
The court found that:
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Çyrbja was guilty of leaking state secrets, aiding offenders, and election corruption. The original combined sentence was 3 years, which was reduced to 2 years due to the summary procedure.
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Hajri, tried in absentia, originally sentenced to 3 years, reduced to 2 years via the summary process.
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Masha received a 2.6-year sentence which was reduced to 1 year and 8 months.
The decision represents one of the highest-profile convictions under SPAK’s remit in recent months.
Significance and Wider Implications
Institutional credibility and reform momentum
This conviction underscores the growing reach and impact of SPAK and GJKKO in holding high-level political figures accountable. Analysts view the case as a barometer for the broader rule-of-law agenda in Albania.
The role of encrypted communications
The use of Sky ECC chats as evidence marks a technological shift in the investigation of organised crime and political corruption. It highlights how investigative agencies are adapting to modern means of clandestine communication.
Political fallout and electoral integrity
That a former MP from the ruling party has been sentenced for active election corruption and collusion with criminals sends a signal to political actors regarding impunity. It also calls into question the integrity of the 2021 parliamentary elections in which vote-buying and criminal influence were alleged.
Legal precedent and deterrence
These sentences, albeit modest, may contribute to a deterrent effect, especially when viewed in combination with other recent high-profile anti-corruption cases. They may affect future investigations of similar crimes tied to politics.
Defence Response and Criticism
Çyrbja’s lawyer has publicly challenged the verdict, arguing that the charges rely exclusively on Sky ECC conversations and lack corroborating physical evidence. According to the defence, there are no additional documents or independent proof linking the former MP with the alleged crimes.
The criticism taps into a broader debate in Albania on whether judicial processes rely too heavily on intercepts and whether rights such as defence and due process are fully safeguarded.
What Comes Next?
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Appeal process: While the verdict has been issued, rights of appeal remain. It is likely the defence will bring the case to the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organised Crime.
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Sentence enforcement and monitoring: How the sentence is served and whether ancillary sanctions (e.g., asset confiscation) follow will be important.
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Political repercussions: Within the Socialist Party and more broadly in Albanian politics, this case may influence internal dynamics, electoral strategies, and public trust.
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Systemic reforms: Whether this case triggers further reforms of electoral oversight, property registry practices, or intelligence-sharing with EU institutions remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The conviction of Jurgis Çyrbja and co-defendants represents a noteworthy milestone in Albania’s anti-corruption drive. It not only affirms SPAK’s capacity to prosecute prominent figures but also raises complex issues regarding enforcement, evidence-gathering, and political culture. As the case proceeds through appeals and as political fallout unfolds, stakeholders both domestically and in the European Union will be watching closely.