Eight days after the horrifying abduction, murder, and disposal of 23-year-old Renis Dobra’s body in Lake Ulëz, Albanian police have officially identified the perpetrators. Two suspects have been arrested, while two others remain at large and are wanted by authorities.
Among those implicated is Petrit Çakrri, a name well known to law enforcement for over two decades, along with three brothers—all originally from Tropoja. The head of the Dibër police, alongside the chief prosecutor and the case’s lead prosecutor, appeared in front of local media cameras to detail the challenging investigation that led to the identification of the individuals responsible for this gruesome crime.
A Murder Tied to Drug Disputes
Investigators outlined the timeline and methodology of the case, confirming that the victim, Renis Dobra, was involved in a criminal group operating in Germany. The motive behind his murder appears to stem from internal disputes over drug trafficking operations. Authorities confirmed that Dobra was killed by strangulation following his abduction, and his body was then disposed of in an attempt to hide the crime.
They also refuted claims made by the victim’s cousin—who had initially reported that Dobra had been taken by police officers—that the assailants wore police uniforms. This false lead, however, prompted Dobra’s father to act quickly, applying pressure that ultimately led the suspects to make critical mistakes, leaving behind evidence that proved vital for the investigation.
Rental Vehicles and Key Mistakes
According to official police data, the suspects used rented vehicles, which were under surveillance by the rental agencies—an important clue that helped track down Petrit Çakrri and the Bushkolaj brothers. Çakrri, now going by the surname Hoxha, was arrested in Golaj, Kukës, while one of the Bushkolaj brothers, Fation, was apprehended in the Astir area by officers from Police Station No. 6 in Tirana. Four other individuals, including a woman, were also detained for questioning in connection with the case.
The other two brothers, Krist and Aleksandër Bushkolaj, are believed to have fled the country. Despite this, police have conducted numerous raids and searches in potential hiding places based on intelligence regarding their movements.
Timeline of the Crime
The tragic events unfolded on the night of July 8, 2025, at approximately 22:10 in the village of Zenisht, Burrel. Renis Dobra was kidnapped and later strangled with a rope. The perpetrators then attempted to conceal the crime by placing his body in his vehicle and pushing it off a cliff toward Lake Ulëz. While the vehicle sank into the lake, Dobra’s body became lodged in a nearby sector known as "Sector C," preventing it from fully submerging and enabling authorities to recover it.
Investigations have revealed that none of the four suspects wore police uniforms or used official vehicles or insignias. The incident was purely criminal in nature, tied to past drug-related disputes. Dobra had a prior conviction in Germany for narcotics distribution and was reportedly part of a larger organized criminal network.
A Coordinated Police Effort
The investigation and arrests were the result of coordinated efforts involving Dibër police, the State Police Special Operations Unit, and forensic investigators. In the course of the investigation, authorities seized 20 mobile phones, 7 vehicles, a significant amount of euros, quantities of cocaine, and other physical evidence crucial to the case.
Police also stated that four additional individuals were being held at Police Station No. 6 in Tirana as part of ongoing inquiries aimed at determining their roles and potential criminal liability in this complex and deeply disturbing case.
A Tragic End with Lingering Questions
The murder of Renis Dobra has shocked the local community and reignited concerns over the reach of organized crime and its violent consequences, both within and beyond Albania’s borders. While two suspects remain at large, the swift identification and arrest of others bring some hope for justice to the grieving family. Authorities vow to continue their pursuit until all involved are brought to justice.