Arben Ahmetaj Alleges Arms Trafficking Under Edi Rama’s Government

 Former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj has made serious allegations about Albania's emerging defense industry, claiming that the country could be involved in a wider international arms-trafficking network.

 

Speaking on “Çim Peka Live”, Ahmetaj said he possesses information and materials that, according to him, point to an organized structure involved in the movement of weapons across borders.

According to Ahmetaj's claims, weapons originating from African countries are brought to Albania, where they are allegedly packaged before being transported to other destinations, including conflict zones. He also referred to a company called Advanced Arms Technology, linking its activities to businessman Ron Yefet. Recent company records show that Advanced Arms Technology was registered in Albania in November 2025, with its stated business activity including the production, assembly and trade of small- and medium-caliber firearms and military drones.

Ahmetaj also questioned the role of Albania's Ministry of Defense, referring to the minister with the nickname “Ermal Raketa”, and demanded greater transparency over what types of weapons are being produced or assembled in Albania, where they originate and where they are ultimately being sent.

The former deputy prime minister further called for the allegations to be investigated by the relevant authorities.

Serious allegations requiring answers

The claims are particularly significant because Albania has been developing a new domestic defense industry and seeking a larger role in the production and export of military equipment.

However, there is an important distinction between the existence of an arms-manufacturing company and evidence of illegal arms trafficking. The latter is a serious criminal allegation and cannot be established simply through political statements or accusations.

Ahmetaj's claims therefore raise questions that can only be answered through documents, inspections and an independent investigation.

If weapons are legally produced in Albania, authorities should have little difficulty explaining what is being produced, who owns the companies involved, where the weapons come from, who purchases them and where they are exported.

And if there is nothing illegal behind these activities, the public should have the right to know that as well.

The issue is no longer simply what Arben Ahmetaj claims.

The real question is whether the Albanian authorities are prepared to provide enough transparency to prove what is actually happening.