A newly released surveillance video from Tirana has brought fresh attention to a dramatic robbery that occurred at a currency exchange shop on the busy “5 Maji” road. The footage not only shows the tense moments when the suspect threatened employees with a firearm but also highlights what investigators and observers have described as surprisingly amateur behavior during the crime.
The suspect, identified by police as 42-year-old Luan Maci, was arrested only hours after the robbery in a rapid police operation. The incident has sparked widespread discussion across Albanian media and social networks, particularly because of the unusual way the robbery unfolded, captured clearly by security cameras.
Dramatic Entry: Door Kicked Open
According to the surveillance footage circulating online, the suspect began the robbery by forcefully kicking open the door of the currency exchange office located inside a shopping center on “5 Maji” street.
Moments later, Maci can be seen pointing a pistol at two female employees working behind the counter. The threatening gesture created an atmosphere of fear and panic, forcing the workers to comply with his demands.
Witness accounts and police information indicate that the suspect ordered the employees to remain still while he approached the counter where the cash was kept.
Struggling to Collect the Money
What followed next is the part of the video that has captured the most attention among viewers in Albania.
Instead of using a prepared method to quickly take the cash, the suspect began grabbing banknotes with one hand directly from the counter. As the pile of money proved difficult to collect, he appeared increasingly disorganized.
At one point in the video, Maci places the pistol on the counter, apparently to free both hands in order to gather the money more efficiently.
However, this decision made the scene look even more chaotic. While trying to scoop up the cash, many of the banknotes fell to the floor.
The footage then shows the suspect bending down and attempting to pick up the scattered money, carefully stuffing it into a waist bag, often referred to locally as a marsup bag.
For many observers, this sequence turned the robbery into what appeared to be a poorly planned and clumsy operation, despite the initial threat with a firearm.
Amount Stolen: Around 3 Million Lek
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect managed to steal approximately 3 million Albanian lek from the currency exchange office.
Part of the stolen money was later recovered by police as material evidence, together with the weapon believed to have been used during the robbery.
The incident immediately triggered a police investigation due to the seriousness of the crime and the fact that it took place inside a commercial area.
Rapid Police Response and Operation “Itinerari”
The Tirana Police Department announced that the suspect was identified and arrested within hours of the robbery, following a coordinated investigation.
The operation was carried out by officers from Police Station No. 4 in Tirana, under the direction of the prosecution authorities. The police action was officially conducted under the operational code name “Itinerari.”
According to the official police statement, investigators used a combination of rapid operational work, surveillance analysis, and field investigation to track down the suspect.
Police confirmed the arrest of:
L. M., 42 years old, resident of Tirana.
Authorities say he is suspected of threatening an employee with a pistol and stealing the cash from the currency exchange office located inside a shopping center on “5 Maji” road.
Suspect With Previous Criminal Record
Another important detail revealed by police is that the suspect has a previous criminal record for similar offenses. This history played a key role in helping investigators identify him quickly after reviewing surveillance footage and witness information.
During the arrest, police seized:
- The firearm pistol allegedly used in the robbery
- Part of the stolen money
- The clothing worn during the commission of the crime
All of these items have been collected as material evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Security Concerns and Public Reaction
The robbery has triggered renewed discussions in Albania about security in commercial areas and financial businesses, especially currency exchange offices that often handle large amounts of cash.
Although robberies of this kind are relatively rare in central Tirana, incidents involving firearms naturally raise public concern.
At the same time, the unusual behavior shown in the video—particularly the suspect dropping money and struggling to gather it—has sparked intense commentary online, with many viewers describing the act as “one of the most amateur robberies caught on camera in Albania.”
Investigation Continues
Police authorities confirmed that the case materials have been transferred to the prosecution for further legal procedures.
Investigators are continuing to examine all evidence related to the robbery, including the surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and forensic analysis of the weapon and clothing.
If convicted, the suspect could face serious criminal charges related to armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm, which carry significant prison sentences under Albanian law.
A Reminder of the Power of Surveillance
This case also demonstrates how modern surveillance systems and rapid police coordination can play a crucial role in solving crimes quickly.
Within a matter of hours, investigators were able to identify the suspect, locate him, and make an arrest—preventing potential further criminal activity.
For many observers, the incident serves as both a warning and a lesson: even when criminals attempt violent acts, poor planning and strong security measures can lead to their rapid capture.
As the investigation continues, the video of the robbery remains one of the most talked-about pieces of footage in Albania this week.