TIRANA, Albania — Agents of Albania’s National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) have carried out searches at the villa of businessman Ron Yeffet following audio recordings made public by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, in which allegations were raised concerning a possible arms and ammunition trafficking scheme involving Albania.
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| Businessman Ron Yeffet, whose villa was searched by BKH agents following allegations raised by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj regarding an arms-trafficking scheme involving KAYO |
The developments form part of an investigation reportedly registered as criminal proceeding No. 62/2026, referred to in media reports as the KAYO case.
Searches at Ministry of Defense
The investigation has extended beyond Yeffet's residence.
Searches were also conducted at the Ministry of Defense, where documents and materials reportedly connected to tender procedures were seized. Media reports say investigators have also carried out searches involving other individuals connected to the companies under examination.
The reported searches come as SPAK examines allegations surrounding Albania's emerging military-industrial sector and the role of the state-owned defense company KAYO.
The Arben Ahmetaj Audio Recordings
The investigation follows audio recordings published by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj in September.
According to Ahmetaj's allegations, the recordings raise questions about a possible international arms-trafficking network and the movement of weapons and ammunition through Albania. His claims specifically referenced businessman Ron Yeffet, TIMAK Defence, KAYO and other individuals and companies.
The recordings reportedly include references to individuals identified as Igor and Sergei, as well as discussions concerning weapons and ammunition allegedly produced in Africa and potentially processed or packaged in Albania.
The material also reportedly includes conversations concerning energy projects in Delvinë and Vlorë.
These allegations remain allegations and are now the subject of an investigation. A search or seizure does not by itself establish criminal responsibility.
Yeffet, TIMAK and KAYO
The corporate structure surrounding TIMAK Defence has become an important part of the questions raised by the investigation.
According to the information presented by Ahmetaj, Ron Yeffet owns 49% of TIMAK, while Arjeta Puca owns the remaining 51%. Ahmetaj also stated that TIMAK holds an 80% stake in TIMAK Defence, with the remaining 20% held by the state-owned KAYO.
TIMAK Defence operates in the defense and military-vehicle sector, while KAYO was established as a state-owned company linked to Albania's defense industry.
The relationship between private companies and the state-owned defense sector is therefore one of the central areas attracting investigative attention.
What the Investigation Must Establish
The searches now place several questions before investigators.
Among them are whether the conversations contained in the published recordings are authentic and accurately interpreted, whether any weapons or ammunition actually moved through Albania, what companies or individuals were involved in any such transactions, and whether Albanian public institutions or state-owned companies were used in connection with activities that could violate the law.
Investigators will also have to establish whether the corporate relationships between TIMAK, TIMAK Defence and KAYO resulted in any unlawful transactions or conflicts of interest.
At this stage, however, the existence of searches and seizures should not be confused with a finding of guilt.
SPAK's investigation will determine whether the allegations contained in the published material correspond to evidence that can be used in criminal proceedings.
For now, the searches at Ron Yeffet's residence, the Ministry of Defense and other locations represent a significant escalation in the KAYO investigation and bring the allegations made publicly by Arben Ahmetaj into the formal investigative process.