The Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) warned Monday that any legal or institutional initiatives aimed at limiting its investigative powers would pose a serious risk to the rule of law.

In its 2025 annual report, the body said it would consider “particularly concerning” any attempt to restrict its procedural tools or independence, warning that such moves could undermine its constitutional function and weaken the fight against corruption and organized crime.

The report notes that political and media rhetoric targeting the institution could damage public perception and authority, and may even increase threats from organized crime groups.

Despite past criticism about limited cooperation from the police, SPAK reported a significant rise in criminal investigations initiated through referrals from the Albanian State Police, which increased by roughly 70% in 2025 compared with the previous year.

The anti-corruption prosecutor also highlighted a sharp decline in pre-trial detention orders. According to the report, the number of arrests ordered by courts fell from 236 in 2024 to 110 in 2025. Around 4% of those cases involved corruption offenses, while nearly 21% were linked to organized crime.

Courts convicted 197 defendants in cases handled by SPAK during the year, including 108 related to corruption and abuse of office. Another 21 defendants were acquitted.