Tragic events have recently unfolded in Albania, triggering widespread media coverage and public concern. The narrative from Lezhë is particularly alarming, involving violent crime, family feuds, and subsequent arrests tied to extortion and threats against local businesses.
Jetmir Llanaj, notorious for his past, was initially sentenced to 25 years for the murder of his 9-year-old son, Indrit Llanaj, who was killed by the Shkreta family. Recently, he finished his sentence and has been released. Tensions between the Llanaj and Shkreta families escalated during the events of June last year when two members of the Shkreta family murdered young Indrit. The animosity between the families stems from this tragic incident, which occurred after years of rivalry exacerbated by earlier violence dating back to 2012.
On February 19, 2025, specialized police forces known as RENEA arrested Llanaj, along with one other suspect, after being accused of using violence to extract bribes from local businesses. The police operation, conducted with local support from the Lezhë police department, resulted not only in the arrest but also the seizure of firearms and armored vehicles believed to have been used during these criminal activities.
The lieutenant of the investigation, according to the police, revealed: “Through specialized police interventions, we have significantly disrupted this crime ring, which operated through threats and extortion.”
Meanwhile, the events surrounding Mentor Palokaj's death have sent shockwaves through Pristina. The young man, brother of the well-known Albanian rapper Unikkatil, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Palokaj, who also went by the nickname Tee, was part of the popular music group “The Bloody Alboz,” recognized for their hit collaborations.
The cause of his death remains unconfirmed, sparking speculations and discussions among fans and fellow artists about the growing violence impacting the music scene and youth culture. Local authorities have begun investigating the matter to ascertain what truly happened and to prevent future occurrences.
Unikkatil, shocked and grieving, expressed his sorrow on social media, highlighting the close bond he shared with his brother and urging the community to come together against the prevalent violence.
These incidents reflect broader issues of violence, crime, and familial strife plaguing regions of Albania, contributing to fears about public safety and urging the police and government to take bolder steps toward securing peace.
While the Llanaj family grapples with the consequences of their violent past, the community must confront the emergent threats and the need for unity against crime. It is imperative for law enforcement and leadership to address these issues comprehensively to restore calm and hope for families still reeling from the impacts of these tragedies.