The bloody revenge saga between the Bajri and Lici tribes in Shkodra/ It started with a motorcycle bomb in 2018

2025-09-09 19:27:00, Kronika CNA

The bloody revenge saga between the Bajri and Lici tribes in Shkodra/ It started

One of the bloodiest crime sagas in Albania, the one between two well-known tribes of Shkodra, the Bajri and the Lici, began with an assassination and culminated in dozens of victims, disappearances and revenge that has lasted for more than a decade.

The clash between the Bajri-Lici tribes has marked a dark chapter in the history of crime in Shkodra, resulting in dozens of victims. The courts and SPAK still have open files on unsolved events, while in the northern capital, assassinations against members of both groups continue to increase, resulting in dozens of victims.

It all allegedly started in January 2018, when businessman Lulzim Kulla, with family ties to the Lici tribe, was injured in an explosive attack on his motorbike. The remote-controlled explosion injured 8 people, including Kulla himself. This event is suspected to have been the beginning of a chain of murders and revenge killings that followed.

The murder of Mehdi Kavaja (June 18, 2018)

Just a few months after the assassination, Mehdi Kavaja, a well-known car lock repairman, was killed in his workshop. He was shot in the head and died on the spot. The murder is suspected to be an act of revenge, but the perpetrator remains unidentified.

Execution of the couple Bërçana-Ndoci (July 15, 2018)

In an event that shocked public opinion, Boran Bërçana, a former police officer, and his partner Silvi Ndoci were shot dead while they were in their car with their 3-year-old child, who fortunately survived. Bërçana was suspected of links to the Bajri group and involvement in the assassination of Lulzim Kulla. The murder is suspected to have been carried out by the Lici group in revenge.

The Murder of Fatbardh Lici (August 10, 2018)

Just a few weeks after the couple's murder, Fatbardh Lici, Sokol Lici's brother and a prominent family member, is executed. The murder is suspected to be a retaliation by the Bajri tribe for the elimination of Bërçana.

The disappearance of nephew and uncle Agron Mollaj and Gëzim Hysa (August 23, 2018)

Two people with ties to the Lici tribe, Agron Mollaj and Gëzim Hysa, mysteriously disappeared. They have not yet been found and are suspected of being killed as part of a clash between the groups.

Execution of Arjan Ferracak (September 1, 2018)

In the Livadhe area, Arjan Ferracaku was shot dead while walking his horse. A few minutes before the incident, he had communicated with Astrit Bilal, another name included in the "Bajri" file.

The murder of Fatos Ferracak (November 14, 2018)

Just two months after his cousin, Fatos Ferracak was killed in broad daylight while selling fish in the "Rus" neighborhood of Shkodra. The murders of the two Ferracaks are considered to be linked to the war between the two tribes.

Execution of Ferdinand Polis (March 20, 2019)

Ferdinand Polia was killed with 20 bullets in an assassination attempt that, according to investigations, is not related to the Bajri-Lici conflict, but to criminal matters in Italy.

Massacre of Astri and Brahim Bilali (March 30, 2019)

Two brothers, Astrit and Brahim Bilali, were killed in the entrance of their house with Kalashnikovs. They were the father and uncle of Astmer Bilali, a boxer and member of the Bajri group, who was later arrested. The incident was investigated as part of a clash of groups.

Operation “Metamorphosis” (September 2019)

After a long wave of crimes, the Police and the Prosecution cracked down on the “Bajri” group, arresting 12 people in Albania and several EU countries. Among those arrested were Astmer Bilali, Behar Bajri, and other people with criminal records.

The Murder of Endri Mustafa (2021)

Another assassination attempt with a mafia background occurred in May 2021, when Endri Mustafa was killed, who was lured into a trap by a 15-year-old. Police announced a search for Ibrahim Lici, but he claimed an alibi. The investigation remained unclear.

Dobra? massacre 4 killed (October 30, 2024)

The most serious incident in recent years occurred in the Dobraç neighborhood of Shkodra. In an assassination attempt on a moving vehicle, Hamza Lici, the younger brother of Ibrahim Lici, was killed. Arlind Bushati, the son of a former mayoral candidate, Flutura Basha and Bashkim Basha, two innocent passersby who were hit by the assassination vehicle. Ibrahim Lici, who was in the car, was injured and managed to escape. He remains wanted.

SPAK crackdown, arrests in 2025

In February 2025, SPAK identified some of the people involved in the murder of Fatbardh Lici in 2018. By decision of the GJKKO, security measures were executed for Safet Bajri, Behar Bajri and Astmer Bilali, who are suspected of being the perpetrators of the event. They are accused of premeditated murder for revenge, organized criminal group, and illegal possession of weapons. According to SPAK, the assassination attempt on Fatbardh Lici was an act of revenge for the murder of Bërçana and Ndoc, which Behar Bajri accused Ibrahim Lici of. Evidence that helped the investigation also includes communications on Sky ECC.

Assassination attempt on Erogen Brajovic, 2 killed (September 8, 2025)

The latest incident that is suspected to be related to the clash between the Licëve and Bajra is the one that happened on Monday. Ragip Gila was handcuffed and Ibrahim Licëve's right-hand man, Barush Bregu, was declared wanted. It is suspected that Bregu provided all the necessary means to carry out the murder of Bajrave's man, Erogen Brajovic, on the morning of September 8, in a bar near the Shkodra municipality. The Shkodra police also discovered their criminal base, where they hid weapons, numerous drones, ammunition and masks which turned out to belong to a lady living in Turkey, the aunt of Ibrahim Licëve, who has been repeatedly sought by the police./ Shqiptarja.com