A shocking and violent event took place in the city of Berat on January 2, 2025, when two brothers, Fatjon and Marko Maloku, opened fire from a moving vehicle, targeting two innocent individuals, Antonio Merkaj and Apostol Dhëmbi. The assassination attempt took place near a local establishment in the Karaburant Merko area, where the victims were going about their daily activities. After the violent incident, the perpetrators managed to flee, and they are still on the run.
Following swift investigations, the police in Berat managed to identify the two suspected perpetrators of the attack, who have been declared wanted. The Serious Crimes Investigation Department at the Local Police Directorate of Berat announced that the suspects are brothers Fatjon and Marko Maloku, both residents of Durrës, and they fled the scene immediately after the attack. Intensive searches are currently underway, in cooperation with the Durrës Police and other law enforcement agencies, to apprehend them.
The police have confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing, under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office, to fully document the incident and gather the necessary legal evidence. What is known so far is that Merkaj and Dhëmbi were near the “Karaburant Merko” when they were attacked by a black Ford vehicle. They were shot at with a burst of gunfire from a Kalashnikov, but managed to flee the scene and head to the hospital for medical assistance.
Initial reports suggest that the conflict between the two groups began in Greece due to a disagreement related to drug trafficking. This conflict spilled over the border and escalated in Albania, culminating in this assassination attempt in Berat. It appears that tensions between the two groups have been building for some time, and this attack is the latest violent episode in a long-running dispute linked to illegal activities.
Regarding the investigation, authorities have stated that they are working closely with the Prosecutor’s Office and other agencies to collect evidence and fully clarify the incident. Several witnesses have been interviewed, and some evidence has been secured, while efforts to capture the Maloku brothers continue.
The police have also announced that, due to the seriousness of the crime and concerns about public safety, additional security measures will be implemented to ensure order and prevent any further violent acts. Efforts to arrest the suspected perpetrators have intensified, and a series of actions have been taken to ensure that they are apprehended quickly and face justice.
In conclusion, this assassination attempt in Berat is another reflection of the violence that plagues our country, underscoring the importance of enforcing the law and combating organized crime, particularly those linked to drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice, and to fully clarify this serious criminal act.