Albania’s left-wing Freedom Party said its leader and former Albanian president Ilir Meta has been arrested over allegations of money laundering.

Meta, 55, was arrested in the capital, Tirana, by officers with the National Investigation Bureau, according to local media.

Television footage showed masked, plainclothes police officers taking Meta from his vehicle after he returned from neighbouring Kosovo ahead of holding a news conference.

The party’s secretary-general, Tedi Blushi, called the arrest a “criminal kidnapping”.

There was no immediate comment from the prosecutor’s office.

Meta was Albania’s previous president, serving from 2017-2022. He is also being investigated for alleged illegal lobbying in the United States a number of years ago.

He and his former wife also have been investigated on allegations of hiding their personal property and income.

Meta has been a vocal opponent of the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing it of running a “kleptocratic regime” and concentrating all legislative, administrative and judiciary powers in Mr Rama’s hands.

Meta has served in the highest posts in post-communist Albania, including as prime minister, foreign minister and as a legislator.