Former police chief assassinated

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times April 10, 2017 23:44

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  • Authorities offer 3 million lek reward to catch killer of former police official

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TIRANA, April 9 - The massive search for those suspected of gunning down a former police chief, Artan Cuku, 42, has expanded nationwide as authorities announced a 3 million lek reward for information leading to their arrest.

Police said 11 people have been detained but no arrest has been made since Saturday, when Artan Cuku was killed at the entrance of his apartment building.

Cuku had had an extensive career in the police force. In 2009-2011 he acted as deputy director of Tirana Police and in 2012-2013 he was director of the police department in the coastal city of Vlora.

At the scene of the crime, police found two 9 mm expended shells and five 7.65 mm shells.

Police suspect there were at least two shooters who after gunning down the former police official managed to get away.

After reviewing the feed from a security camera near the victim’s building, police believe to be able to identify one of the killers who is believed to be around 30 years old.

According to the forensics department, Cuku managed to fight with the two killers. He was shot twice upon entering the building. In an attempt to save himself, Cuku attempted to enter the elevator but the other killer shot him twice in the head.

Following the parliamentary elections of June 2013, Cuku was appointed at the Police Academy and in 2014 he was terminated and ejected from police ranks as part of a large purge of police officials who had served in high positions under the Democratic Party government. Such purges are normal whenever there is a change in government in Albania.

Authorities are investigating several leads related to his activity in the police force and his latest work in a private security company. In addition, investigators are also following the lead of a possible act of revenge.

They have reopened the files of a case in 2005 when a young man detained by the police allegedly killed himself at the premises of the station. At the time, Cuku was chief at a police station in the capital and according to the official statement, the victim managed to get the gun from Cuku and shoot himself.

Cuku was buried on Sunday while the farewell ceremony was attended by many police officers and former colleagues.

 

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times April 10, 2017 23:44