The tragic murder of Italian businessman Edoardo Sarchi in the small village of Salari, located in the Tepelena region of southern Albania, has captured public attention in both Albania and Italy. Fresh details released by investigative sources are now shedding new light on the circumstances surrounding the crime, adding layers of complexity to an already shocking case.
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| Edoardo Sarchi |
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| An Albanian police van and the victim's car are seen at the scene. |
Four Rounds of Questioning Raise Suspicions
The repeated interrogations suggest that law enforcement officials are struggling to piece together a consistent narrative from the witnesses. Investigators have taken testimony from the Braçe family under the supervision of different authorities:
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Once by the Judicial Police Officer (OPGJ)
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Once by the Public Prosecutor
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Once by specialized crime investigators from Tirana
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And again by the OPGJ for further clarification
Despite these efforts, inconsistencies remain in the accounts given by the three men. Sources state that their testimonies have contradicted one another significantly. At different times, the Braçe family claimed that they:
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Found Sarchi already dead on the road.
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Discovered him gravely injured, only for him to die in their arms.
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Were with the Italian businessman when an unknown armed assailant blocked their path and shot him.
Such starkly different versions of events have raised serious concerns within the investigative team, prompting repeated questioning to determine the truth.
A Fourth Person in the Shadows
Adding further intrigue, a fourth individual who was reportedly present during the aftermath of the incident has not yet been interrogated. This person, described only as “the man in the corridor,” has not been publicly identified, and his role in the case remains uncertain. According to A2 CNN, investigators have not disclosed why this witness has been excluded from official questioning so far.
This omission is fueling speculation about whether the fourth individual may hold key information that could clarify the circumstances of Sarchi’s murder.
The Business Connection
The victim, Edoardo Sarchi, was known to have business ties in Albania, with Braçe being his local partner. While the exact nature of their ventures has not been publicly detailed, sources suggest that financial and commercial disagreements could be one of the possible motives under consideration by investigators.
The close business relationship between the Italian entrepreneur and his Albanian partner has placed Braçe and his family under the spotlight, particularly given the inconsistencies in their statements.
Health Concerns of the Business Partner
When Eqerem Braçe arrived in Gjirokastër for questioning, he was first admitted to the hospital. Medical staff reported that he was suffering from low blood sugar levels and severe shock, conditions he claimed were caused by the trauma of witnessing the violent event.
While his health concerns were genuine enough to require medical attention, investigators remained determined to question him, as his testimony is central to understanding the chain of events leading to Sarchi’s death.
The Ongoing Investigation
At this stage, Albanian authorities have not made any official arrests in connection with the murder. However, the conflicting statements, the presence of an unidentified fourth person, and the high-profile nature of the victim have intensified public interest in the case.
Investigators are expected to continue questioning the Braçe family and possibly expand their inquiries to other individuals connected to the business dealings of Edoardo Sarchi. The authorities remain cautious, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that all potential motives—from personal disputes to organized crime—are being explored.
International Implications
Given the victim’s nationality, the murder has also attracted attention from Italian authorities and media. Cross-border cooperation may be required if evidence suggests financial disputes or criminal networks extending beyond Albania’s borders. The outcome of this case could influence perceptions of foreign business operations in the country, highlighting both the opportunities and risks faced by international investors in the region.
Conclusion
The murder of Edoardo Sarchi in Tepelena is a developing story filled with unanswered questions. The conflicting testimonies of his business partner and the partner’s two sons, coupled with the mystery surrounding the fourth individual, continue to complicate the search for the truth.
As investigators push forward, the people of Tepelena—and indeed both Albania and Italy—await clarity and justice in a case that has shaken the local community and raised broader concerns about trust, safety, and transparency in international business dealings.