Ksamil, Sarandë — August 18, 2026: New details have emerged in the investigation into the death of 20-year-old Portuguese tourist Luis Miguel Varela Mendes, who died after a violent confrontation at the “Principote” resort in Ksamil.
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| The entrance to the "Principote" venue in Ksamil, Sarandë, where authorities have questioned 42 people and arrested a security guard following the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Portuguese tourist Luis Miguel Varela Mendes. |
According to preliminary investigative findings, his body may have remained on the beach for approximately three hours before being discovered and police arriving at the scene.
Sokrat Vata Questioned but Refuses to Give Statement
Sokrat Vata, 29, who has been arrested as the main suspect in the killing, has been questioned by investigators but has reportedly chosen not to make a statement about the incident.
Vata, who worked as a beach security guard and as part of the security staff at the Principote complex, was arrested several hours after the incident on the Levan–Fier road.
Police reportedly found him hidden inside the trunk of a vehicle while he was allegedly attempting to leave the area with the assistance of foreign nationals.
His refusal to answer investigators' questions means that authorities are currently relying heavily on witness testimony, forensic evidence and other investigative material to reconstruct the events.
42 People Questioned in the Investigation
The number of people questioned by Sarandë Police has now risen to 42 as investigators work to establish exactly what happened before, during and after the confrontation.
Investigators are examining the roles of people who were present inside the venue when the incident occurred, as well as the actions taken after the tourist was seriously injured.
The investigation is also focused on determining whether other individuals could face criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Turkish Nationals Questioned Over Vata's Escape
Two Turkish nationals who were found with Vata during his alleged attempt to leave the area have also been questioned.
According to their statements, given in the presence of interpreters, they were regular customers of the Principote venue and had paid Vata for security and personal protection services.
They reportedly told investigators that they picked Vata up because of the social relationship they had developed with him.
Authorities are continuing to verify their account and determine whether they knowingly assisted Vata in attempting to evade police.
Friends of Victim Describe How Conflict Allegedly Began
Investigators have also taken statements from friends who were accompanying the Portuguese tourist.
According to their account, the confrontation allegedly began after a woman was reportedly harassed inside the venue. The situation then escalated into a physical fight involving several people, with security personnel intervening.
The 20-year-old Portuguese tourist was allegedly not initially involved in the confrontation.
According to the witnesses, he intervened in an attempt to separate people who were fighting. It was during this intervention that he was allegedly struck with a sharp object.
Preliminary information indicates that he suffered multiple wounds to the back and chest, injuries that proved fatal.
Investigation Places Confrontation Inside Principote
Earlier reports suggested that the confrontation may have occurred near the entrance of the venue.
However, information emerging from the investigation now indicates that the initial conflict allegedly took place inside the Principote complex, at La Guerra, before the victim was taken outside toward the beach.
This detail could prove important for investigators as they attempt to establish the sequence of events and identify everyone who witnessed the confrontation.
The Investigation Continues
The death of Luis Miguel Varela Mendes has prompted an extensive investigation involving dozens of witnesses and potential witnesses.
Police and prosecutors are continuing to collect testimony, forensic evidence and other material in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the killing and determine the criminal responsibility of everyone involved.
At this stage, Sokrat Vata remains a suspect and has not been convicted. Any other individuals mentioned in connection with the investigation are likewise presumed innocent unless their responsibility is established by a final court decision.