Albanian national found executed in submerged car in Italy

Authorities in San Giorgio delle Pertiche, Italy, are investigating the execution of Ferdinand Hoti, a 35-year-old Albanian national residing in Mirano. His body was discovered on September 8 inside a black Fiat Bravo that had been submerged in the Tergola River.

Forensic examinations revealed that Hoti had been shot at close range while his hands were tied. To conceal the crime, the victim was placed in a black bag and weighted down with car tires to ensure the vehicle and body remained underwater. The car was found without license plates. Investigators have identified the vehicle's owner, a resident of the Venice province who had not reported the car stolen, and he is currently being questioned.

The Padua Prosecutor's Office is treating the case as a planned execution. One primary investigative lead suggests the murder may be a “settling of scores” related to criminal activities in drug trafficking. Police are currently analyzing security camera footage and biological evidence from the vehicle to reconstruct the victim's movements on the night of September 7 and identify the perpetrators.