FRANCE — An Albanian businessman wanted by authorities in Albania over allegations linked to fraud, organized misappropriation and a suspected corruption and tender scandal remains in custody in France after a French court ruled that he should stay behind bars pending extradition proceedings.
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| A photo showing Albanian businessman Ermal Beqiri alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, prior to Beqiri's arrest in France and subsequent extradition proceedings sought by SPAK. |
The case has since developed into a much broader legal matter, with Albanian authorities seeking his extradition.
Arrested After Flying Over the Penly Nuclear Plant
Beqiri was arrested on July 25, according to Paris Normandie, after his private aircraft flew over the Penly nuclear power plant, a highly sensitive security site in northern France.
The incident resulted in legal proceedings in France, with Beqiri receiving a €7,000 fine for the aviation-related violation.
However, the fine did not lead to his release.
According to the French report, Albania had meanwhile submitted a formal request for his extradition, placing Beqiri at the center of a separate international judicial procedure.
Amiens Court Rules He Should Remain in Custody
On August 25, the Court of Appeal in Amiens reportedly ruled that Beqiri should remain in prison while the extradition proceedings continue.
The decision does not constitute a finding of guilt regarding the allegations made by Albanian authorities. His potential extradition and the underlying accusations remain subject to the relevant judicial procedures.
The case therefore extends beyond the original aviation incident and into an investigation originating in Albania.
SPAK Seeks Him Over Suspected Corruption and Tender Manipulation
According to Paris Normandie, Albania's Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is seeking Beqiri in connection with an investigation involving alleged corruption and suspected manipulation of public tenders.
The allegations concern activities in Albania and are part of a broader investigation by Albanian authorities.
French authorities have reportedly also identified assets in France that Albanian investigators believe may have a criminal origin.
Among the assets mentioned in the French report are more than €2 million in bank accounts, two apartments, vehicles, a private aircraft and a château in the Oise department reportedly valued at around €2.6 million.
These claims are allegations made in the context of the investigation and have not, by themselves, established that the assets were obtained through criminal activity.
From Albania's Public and Technology Sectors to a French Extradition Case
Paris Normandie also highlights Beqiri's professional background in Albania, including his connections to the country's public sector and information-technology industry.
His profile has now become part of a much larger legal story spanning two countries.
What began with a flight over one of France's most sensitive nuclear facilities has evolved into an international judicial case involving allegations originating in Albania, assets allegedly identified in France and a formal extradition request.
For now, the Amiens Court of Appeal's decision means Beqiri remains in French custody as the legal process continues.
The next stage will determine whether the French authorities ultimately authorize his extradition to Albania, where the allegations against him are being investigated.