Saranda Assassination: Police and RENEA Raid Homes in Kamëz, Question 20 People — the Lead Investigators Are Following

Police in Tirana and Vlora and RENEA special forces have been raiding several homes in the Kamëz area since the early hours of the morning.

The home of Ervis Lami and his family members has been searched in connection with the mafia-style execution in Saranda.

The conflict with Ervis Lami remains one of the main lines of investigation for the authorities, due to the victim’s previous clashes with him — 44-year-old Artan Myrtaj.

Meanwhile, in Saranda more than 20 searches have been carried out by Vlora police, “Vizion Plus” reports.

Over the past 24 hours, police have questioned around 20 people, including witnesses to the incident, passersby who were in the area at the time of the crime, and family members of the victim. So far, their testimony has not provided sufficient data to identify the perpetrators.

Security camera footage has documented the dynamics of the event. Myrtaj is seen arriving at one of the area’s bars. He is seen having coffee until he spots two people in helmets approaching him.

According to the footage, the 44-year-old tries to run toward “Vangjel Pandi” street, but is chased by the two individuals, who open fire at him.

As a result of the gunfire, Myrtaj, also known as “Tani i Ruzhdiut,” died at the scene, while the perpetrators fled the scene.

Investigators suspect this was an organized murder and that the perpetrators may have had detailed knowledge of the victim’s movements and the area where the crime occurred. According to the investigative team’s suspicions, the hitmen may have fled toward the outskirts of Saranda, on the road linking the city to Gjirokastër, losing their trail afterward.

In addition to the perpetrators who carried out the execution, investigators are also verifying the possible involvement of other persons who may have tracked the victim’s movements or provided information about him.

The main lead in the investigation relates to an incident in July 2025, when after a property dispute, citizens Gëzim Hajdaraj and Ernest Lame of Kamëz were injured. Artan Myrtaj was arrested on July 18, 2025, on suspicion of aiding the perpetrator of that incident.

Police have questioned injured persons and individuals linked to last year’s conflict, while the collected data is being analyzed as part of the investigation.

Also injured in the incident was 73-year-old Xhevdet Skëndaj, who was shot once in the back. He has been transported for specialized treatment to the Trauma Hospital in Tirana.

Meanwhile, the investigative team continues working to identify the perpetrators and fully clarify the circumstances and motive of the murder.