The body of 34-year-old Eglant Koçi, who had been reported missing earlier this month, was discovered on Thursday, June 18, in the village of Cerrujë, located between Tirana and Elbasan.
According to local reports, authorities were alerted by a resident of the area. Police subsequently carried out drone surveillance and located the body in a deep ravine. Members of the RENEA special forces unit were deployed to recover the remains due to the difficult terrain.
In an official statement, Tirana Police confirmed that a male body in an advanced state of decomposition had been found in the Domush neighborhood of Cerrujë village.
“Within the territory of Cerrujë village, Domush neighborhood, a male human body was found in a state of decomposition. Police services and the investigative team, under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office, are continuing investigations and verifications to identify the individual and clarify all circumstances surrounding the case,” the statement said.
Koçi was last seen near Wilson Square in Tirana while riding a motorcycle. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators also showed him at a vehicle repair service at approximately 10:13 a.m. on June 4, shortly before he is believed to have been abducted. His family reported him missing the following day, on June 5.
Investigators later located Koçi’s motorcycle near the 5 Maji area of Tirana. Police also identified a location where the 34-year-old was allegedly taken after the suspected kidnapping. Authorities believe that 41-year-old Armand Shakaj left the premises in a vehicle while accompanied by Koçi.
During a search of the vehicle, police reportedly discovered blood traces, which were sent for forensic examination.
So far, authorities have arrested Enea Zyferi on charges related to assisting the alleged perpetrator. Zyferi was reportedly employed at a business owned by Shakaj.
Although Koçi officially worked at a furniture company, investigators suspect he may also have been involved in cryptocurrency-related activities. This line of inquiry has become one of the main investigative leads in the case.
Meanwhile, Armand Shakaj remains wanted by law enforcement. Investigators say he allegedly changed six different phone numbers in an attempt to avoid being located. The numbers, registered in his name and in the names of family members, were reportedly active within the Tirana area.
The investigative team has also questioned Shakaj’s brother as a person believed to have knowledge of his whereabouts. However, according to authorities, he has not provided information that could assist police in locating the fugitive suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Koçi’s disappearance and death.