On January 13, 2026, Albania woke to shocking news: Altin Ndoci, a high-profile prisoner accused of multiple murders and serious criminal charges, dramatically escaped from custody at the Durrës Regional Hospital where he was taken for medical checks. The breakout has captured national attention and sparked questions about prison security, law enforcement preparedness, and organized crime influence in Albania.
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| Altin Ndoci |
Who Is Altin Ndoci? A Brief Profile
Altin Ndoci is a 34-year-old Albanian national originally from Puka and residing in Tirana, reportedly involved in numerous serious crimes. According to local Albanian media and investigative reports:
- He was arrested under a prosecutor’s order from SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) on charges including murder and participation in a structured criminal group.
- Ndoci has been implicated in several high-profile violent cases, including the Bradashesh massacre—where multiple people were killed.
- His alleged crimes also include drug trafficking, robbery, weapon possession, and other violent criminal conduct.
Because of these charges and his perceived threat level, Ndoci was being held in pre-trial detention in Durrës Prison before his hospital transfer.
How the Escape Happened: Key Details
According to multiple verified reports from Albanian news outlets:
- Medical Visit at Infectious Diseases Ward:
- Ndoci was escorted from Durrës Prison to the infectious diseases department of the Durrës Regional Hospital for routine medical examinations.
- Security Lapse or Tactical Move?
- He was accompanied by police officers from the prison service, but once inside the hospital setting, Ndoci asked to use the bathroom—a request that turned out to be pivotal. When the door opened, he immediately struck one of the guards and broke free.
- Fight and Flight:
- After attacking the officer, Ndoci ran down from the third floor toward a hospital exit and avoided further attempts by officers to stop him. At one point, a guard even fired a warning shot into the air in a bid to halt him.
- Getaway Vehicle:
- Waiting for him outside the hospital was a white Audi A7 with license plate AA700RS, which sped off shortly after Ndoci emerged.
Because of this daring breakout, post-blocks and public manhunts have been established by authorities across Durrës and surrounding areas.
Official Reactions: Prison Directorate and Police Commentary
Following the escape, authorities responded swiftly:
- Durrës Prison Directorate confirmed that Ndoci was transferred for medical care and subsequently fled despite supervision by prison police.
- Prison Police Statement: Officers tried to restrain him but were unable to prevent the escape. Efforts continue to locate and apprehend him.
- State Police Reaction: The national police force also emphasized they were not originally notified to provide additional support for the transfer, highlighting potential systemic communication issues.
While investigations continue, authorities are also considering whether internal collusion or external assistance played a role in facilitating Ndoci’s escape. Some reports suggest contacts may have been waiting to help him.
Why This Matters: Albanian Context and Public Safety
The escape of a high-risk prisoner like Altin Ndoci is not only a security failure but also a national concern for several reasons:
- Public Safety: A fugitive accused of multiple murders is now loose, posing potential risk to communities.
- Law Enforcement Trust: Questions have arisen regarding how a dangerous detainee managed to evade security.
- Criminal Networks: The incident may reflect deeper issues with organized crime influence, which remains a serious issue across Albania.
- Judicial Oversight: Events like these stress the importance of coordination between prosecution, police, and prison systems.
The government’s and law enforcement’s ongoing response will be closely watched by the public and media alike.