A tragic murder with international implications has shaken the Colombian city of Medellín. The victim, identified as Artur Tushi, a 41-year-old Albanian national from Lezha, was shot dead in what authorities describe as a targeted assassination.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the incident took place on Sunday afternoon along El Poblado Avenue, near the popular Santa Fe Shopping Center, one of the city’s busiest commercial zones. Tushi was reportedly approached by two men on a motorcycle shortly before the shooting.
“They asked him for his name, confirmed it, and then carried out the act,” said one witness quoted by local media.
A Cold-Blooded Killing in Broad Daylight
The attack was executed with precision and apparent planning. After confirming the victim’s identity, one of the assailants allegedly drew a firearm and shot Tushi multiple times before fleeing the scene. The murder caused panic among passersby, with videos circulating online showing police and ambulances arriving within minutes.
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| Artur Tushi in a Bar in Medelin, Colombia; source: Facebook |
The assassination took place in El Poblado, one of Medellín’s most affluent neighborhoods, often frequented by foreigners and business visitors. The attack’s location has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike, as such targeted killings in high-security areas have become increasingly bold in recent years.
Police Capture Suspect After High-Speed Pursuit
Colombian police acted swiftly in the aftermath of the shooting. Within hours, officers tracked down a Venezuelan national, identified as the primary suspect, in the municipality of Bello, located north of the Aburrá Valley.
Authorities confirmed that both the motorcycle used in the crime and the handgun believed to have been used in the execution were seized as evidence.
In a public statement, a police spokesperson said:
“We have detained a foreign citizen suspected of being the perpetrator. Both the firearm and motorcycle have been recovered. The investigation continues to determine whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a larger network.”
The suspect is currently being held for questioning as police investigate whether the killing was connected to organized crime or a contracted hit (sicariato), a practice still prevalent in certain Colombian regions.
Who Was Artur Tushi?
While local and Albanian authorities have not yet released official biographical details, sources close to the investigation describe Tushi as a 41-year-old Albanian from Lezha, a coastal city in northern Albania. He is believed to have been residing temporarily in Colombia, though the reason for his stay remains unclear.
Investigators are now examining Tushi’s background to determine whether his death was linked to criminal networks or business disputes, given the pattern of targeted attacks involving foreign nationals in Colombia.
Albania’s Growing Concern Over Murders Abroad
This is not the first time an Albanian citizen has been killed under suspicious circumstances in Latin America. In recent years, multiple Albanians have been targeted in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, often in incidents related to drug trafficking networks or financial disputes.
The Albanian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Tushi’s death, but diplomatic sources confirm that the Embassy of Albania in Bogotá has been notified and is monitoring the investigation closely.
Analysts note that Albanian organized crime groups have expanded their activities internationally, including in South America, which has become a key route in global cocaine trafficking. However, it remains premature to link this particular case to such networks until police complete their inquiries.
The Broader Context: Violence and “Sicariato” in Medellín
Despite Medellín’s transformation from a violent past into a vibrant and innovative city, contract killings—known locally as sicariatos—continue to occur sporadically. These acts are typically linked to disputes between criminal organizations or targeted assassinations for hire.
Authorities in Antioquia, the department where Medellín is located, have increased police patrols and video surveillance following the murder of Artur Tushi, hoping to prevent further violence.
“We will not tolerate criminal groups bringing fear back to our streets,” said Medellín’s mayor during a press briefing.
The mayor also confirmed that security forces are cooperating with Interpol and foreign intelligence agencies due to the international dimension of the case.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction
The murder has drawn attention both in Colombia and abroad, particularly in Albania, where media outlets are following the story closely. Social media users have expressed outrage over the killing and called on authorities to ensure justice is served.
As of now, the motive behind the killing remains under investigation, and the detained suspect is expected to appear before a local court in the coming days.
While police have made progress in capturing the alleged shooter, questions remain about who ordered the hit and why. The coming weeks may reveal whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader criminal web involving multiple countries.