New details have come to light from the investigation into the murder of Eglant Koç, an event that, according to authorities, was followed by a well-organized operation to hide the body and cover up any traces.
According to investigative data, after the June 4 execution in the premises of the bar and offices near the “Ismail Qemali” school in Tirana, Armand Shakaj is suspected of having taken a series of actions to remove the victim’s body from the crime scene.
A day later, on June 5, he is suspected of transporting the body in Koç’s Porsche. To avoid suspicion, the vehicle was moved by a cart towards the Iba area. Sources from the investigation indicate that the driver of the transport vehicle was told that the car was being sent to a service station for repairs.
After this, Shakaj is suspected of continuing his movement towards the mountainous areas of Elbasan, following a little-known route away from the main roads. Investigators believe he had good knowledge of the terrain, as he frequently frequented the area for outdoor motorcycle activities.
The route followed passed through the villages of Mollagjesh and Funar, before entering a forested and difficult-to-access territory. According to sources, the journey took about three and a half hours to reach the vicinity of Maja e Korrës, an isolated mountainous area.
Despite the rugged terrain and difficult conditions, he is suspected of reaching one of the highest points in the area. There, according to investigations, Eglant Koç’s body was removed from the vehicle and thrown into a ravine, with the belief that the remote and inaccessible location would make it almost impossible to discover him.
However, the investigation did not stop. Forensic experts point out that even the most careful plans leave traces, and it was these traces that directed the police to the area where the body was found.
One of the key elements of the investigation turned out to be Armand Shakaj’s mobile phone. Although the device was later discarded, experts were able to reconstruct his movements through technical analysis and the localization of the last recorded signal.
In parallel with the technological evidence, investigators also obtained information from residents of the area. Evidence collected on operational routes showed that Shakaj’s vehicle had been seen passing through several of the villages leading to the mountainous area where the search was then focused.
The combination of technical evidence and field testimony led authorities to the Cërruja area, where after days of intensive searching, it became possible to find the body of Eglant Koçi and further advance the investigations to fully unravel the incident.