In Albania, The Creators Of The First Anti-corruption AI Minister Have Been Accused Of Corruption
- 28.01.2026, 19:05
The director of the National Agency for Information Society and her deputy were placed under house arrest.
In Albania, the director of the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) Elira Kana and her deputy have been placed under house arrest by the decision of the special anti-corruption prosecutor's office. According to the agency's statement, they are suspected of organizing a criminal group that, using their official position, manipulated government procurement procedures for a total of about 7.4 million euros, writes The Washington Post.
AKSHI is the state structure in charge of the government's digital infrastructure, and it was it that developed the virtual minister Diella, an artificial intelligence-based avatar introduced in 2023. Diella's main tasks include helping citizens obtain public services online and analyzing data to increase transparency in public procurement.
This project was part of measures aimed at fulfilling the criteria for Albania's accession to the European Union. During speeches, including to the country's parliament, the avatar said he had "no personal ambitions or interests" but "only data, knowledge and algorithms to serve citizens impartially, transparently and relentlessly."
A November report by EU officials said Albania had "made some progress" in the fight against corruption but it was "still widespread in vulnerable sectors." A December analysis by experts from the German Council on Foreign Relations said Diella had improved the efficiency and impartiality of public procurement decisions, but the country's overall compliance with EU standards in this area remained "problematic."
The investigation into AKSHI executives is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign by the Albanian prosecutor's office, which has also implicated former President Ilir Meta, the mayor of Tirana and Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluca, who is close to Prime Minister Edi Rama. She is accused of misuse of public funds, which she denies. The political opposition has held protests demanding the resignation of the government.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, commenting on the investigation into AKSHI, said he would refrain from making judgments until the investigation is complete, while noting the importance of the work of anti-corruption bodies.
Western Balkans expert Andy Hoxha of King's College London said that with Diella's help, Rama could demonstrate to the international community his efforts to fight corruption. He also noted that the government has not intervened in the AKSHI investigation, which may indicate a recognition of the problem.
In the interview, Rama said he plans to leave office after Albania joins the EU, which he estimated could happen in 2030.