A mega-operation has been launched by Greek authorities to capture Alket Rizai , who has not returned to Domokos prison after his leave expired. According to Greek media, Rizai was supposed to report to prison at 08:00 on Monday morning, September 14, but did not return to his cell after his leave expired.
Greek police have launched a search to locate and capture him, but so far without results. As part of the investigation, suspicions have also been raised that Rizai may have fled to Albania.
According to information received by the Greek authorities, his last trace was located in Northern Greece. This has raised suspicions that he may have illegally crossed the border into Albania from there. But, so far, this remains only an unconfirmed lead.
Just one day before his release from prison was due to expire, Alket Rizai's name was reported to be linked to a serious incident that occurred on September 13, where gunshots were recorded and two people were injured. According to Greek media, Rizai is suspected of being the person who fired the gun during the conflict.
After the incident, he left, and the next day he did not appear at Domokos prison, where he was supposed to return after his leave expired. In these circumstances, the Greek authorities have officially declared him wanted, while investigations into his whereabouts and the circumstances of his departure continue.
This was the 17th leave that Rizai had received since 2021. On the previous 16 occasions he had returned to prison, while this time he decided not to appear at the scheduled time.
Alket Rizai is a well-known name to Greek authorities and has been linked to the criminal world for years.
In 2003, he was the suspect in the murder of Greek businessman Thanasis Koropiotis after a misunderstanding involving his partner. In 2006, Rizai escaped with Vasilis Paleokostas, sparking strong reactions over security measures in Greek prisons.
In August of the same year, Rizai is accused of killing 43-year-old Konstantinos Koutelieris and 36-year-old Ioannis Katsios in Peristeri. According to the investigation, the murders were carried out on the orders of one of the powerful figures of the Greek mafia, Vasilis Stefanakos. Again, a few days later, Rizai was arrested by the police. However, this time, he escaped again by helicopter in February 2009 from Korydallos.
After being arrested in 2009, he attempted another escape in 2013. This time, he chose a different method, taking five prison officers hostage in Malandrino.
Meanwhile, in January 2021, he had received 5 days of leave from prison, and was arrested after being caught driving a BMW vehicle along with two people considered dangerous, during a random traffic stop.