The investigation into the murder of Ferdinant Hoti, the Albanian who was found dead inside a sunken vehicle in the Padua area, has taken a new direction. Italian authorities are examining the possibility that the crime is related to drug trafficking and conflicts within this activity.
Italian media reports that in the context of recent developments, Eris Makaj and his girlfriend, Noemi Karibba, have been arrested. Both have been sent to the Padova prison by court order.
The arrests came after an anti-drug operation conducted in parallel with the murder investigation. During searches at Karibbë’s apartment, authorities seized about 800 grams of hashish, nearly 200 grams of cocaine and 2,000 euros in cash.
These developments have led investigators to focus on the possibility of a drug-related conflict. However, at this stage it has not yet been determined whether the two arrested individuals had a direct role in Hoti’s murder.
Another element being examined by investigators is the possible connection of Eris Makaj with 44-year-old Luigi Makaj. The latter was arrested in July in Mirano together with Albanian Amiol Gjoka, 39, on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons. According to Italian media reports, the case involved a 25-year-old suspected of having links to a drug trafficking network.
Despite the new elements, a connection between these episodes and the execution of Ferdinand Hoti remains so far only an investigative lead that Italian authorities are trying to verify.
Hoti’s body was discovered on the morning of September 9, after a Fiat Bravo vehicle was pulled from the water on Via del Santo, in the Padova area. The victim was inside a bag in the back of the car and his hands were tied.
The autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Rafi El Mazloum determined that the Albanian was killed by a single bullet to the head. Forensic evidence indicates that the weapon was fired from close range.
Italian authorities continue investigations to reconstruct the dynamics of the crime, the motive and the people who may have been involved in Hoti’s murder.