The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the darkest periods for public safety and justice in Albania. A series of violent criminal events deeply shocked Albanian society, challenged law enforcement institutions, and raised serious concerns about security, blood feuds, and organized crime across the country.
Between January 1 and November 30, 2025, Albanian authorities officially recorded 39 murders nationwide, a figure that alarmed both citizens and international observers. Even more troubling, eight of these killings remain unsolved, with most cases concentrated in Shkodër and Lezhë, regions historically affected by vendetta-related violence.
Below is a detailed overview of the most serious and high-profile criminal events that defined Albania in 2025, based on official reports and investigations.
January 2025: A Violent Start to the Year
The year began with bloodshed.
On January 6, Ramzan Mataj was found murdered inside his vehicle in Dragoç, Shkodër. Authorities arrested Arjon and Klisman Hasaj, marking one of the first homicide cases of the year.
Just days later, on January 12, businessman Bujar Nasufi was assassinated in Tirana, near the well-known area Pallati me Shigjeta. Brothers Voltan and Jugert Xhani were arrested as suspected organizers and financiers of the murder.
On January 13, Kristian Marku was killed in Vlorë, a victim allegedly tied to long-standing clan conflicts involving the Reçi, Gjini, and Bardhi families in Rrëshen.
Another killing followed on January 24, when Lulzim Visha was murdered in Tirana. Eduart Lami, 37, was arrested shortly after.
Blood Feuds and Unsolved Murders in Northern Albania
Northern Albania continued to suffer from hakmarrja (revenge killings).
On February 27, Pavlin Preka was murdered in Shkodër. Two suspects, Vasel Koçeku and Klaudio Lisaj, were arrested.
On April 17, Gjovalin Prendi was killed in Lezhë, a case still unresolved and suspected to be linked to revenge motives.
Another vendetta-related killing occurred on June 1, when Pjetër Kazës was murdered in Lezhë, part of a blood feud dating back to 1994 between the Gjini and Kaza families.
One of the most tragic unsolved cases happened on August 4 in Vau i Dejës, where Frrok Lleshaj was killed. His death marked the fifth victim in a feud that began in the early 1990s.
Crimes Involving Youth and Domestic Violence
2025 also exposed a disturbing rise in youth-related violence.
On August 14, Albania was shaken by the killing of 14-year-old Erald Xhejo, stabbed by a peer after a minor argument.
On November 26, 15-year-old Erion Boba died after being injured in a fight sparked on TikTok, highlighting the growing influence of social media conflicts turning deadly.
Domestic violence reached a horrifying peak on October 28, when Marjan Kodheli, 25, stabbed his father Pjetër Kodheli to death inside their home.
September–October: Escalation of Armed Attacks
September saw multiple shootings in Shkodër.
On September 4, Kristian Kola, 34, was killed in an armed attack.
On September 8, Armando Pali and Liridon Kraja (alias Lusha) were executed in a bar near Shkodër. Ragip Gila was arrested as the shooter.
The Most Shocking Crime of 2025: Judge Killed in Court
The most unprecedented and shocking crime of the year occurred on October 6, 2025.
Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot dead inside the courtroom of the Tirana Court of Appeal during a property dispute hearing. The attacker, Elvis Shkambi, opened fire during the session, injuring two others. His uncle, Gjon Shkambi, was arrested for assisting the perpetrator.
This act sent shockwaves through Albania’s justice system, prompting reactions from the highest state institutions and raising serious questions about courtroom security.
Rinas Airport Assassination and the Year’s Final Crimes
On November 11, a deadly assassination near Rinas Airport claimed the lives of Gilmando Dani and AMP agent Muçi Shaliani (Sheqeri), signaling the reach of organized crime.
The year closed with another murder on November 30, when Mondi Mëhall was shot dead inside his car at his business premises in Elbasan. Several suspects were arrested.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Albania
The criminal events of 2025 exposed deep-rooted issues within Albanian society: unresolved blood feuds, youth violence, organized crime, and security failures. While arrests were made in many cases, the number of unsolved murders remains a serious concern.
As Albania moves forward, strengthening the rule of law, protecting the justice system, and preventing youth radicalization remain critical priorities to prevent such a tragic year from repeating itself.