Fugitive Albanian Murderer Captured in Ohio After 30 Years on the Run
Ohio, USA – After evading justice for nearly three decades, an Albanian national convicted of multiple murders in Europe has been apprehended in Ohio following a coordinated international manhunt.
Sokol Hoxha, wanted for the 1997 killing of his 19-year-old wife in Belgium and the murders of two brothers in Albania, was arrested by U.S. authorities for immigration violations. His capture marks the end of a years-long investigation involving INTERPOL, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and multiple law enforcement agencies.
A Fugitive’s Decades-Long Escape
Hoxha fled Europe after his convictions, adopting a fake identity to evade capture. He obtained citizenship in another European country before entering the U.S. in 2012 as a lawful permanent resident—all while concealing his violent past.
“Hoxha had been a fugitive from justice since the murders were committed,” the USMS stated. His arrest was made possible by the joint efforts of the USMS Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), INTERPOL Washington, and the Kettering Police Department.
International Cooperation Breaks the Case
The breakthrough came after authorities uncovered Hoxha’s fraudulent identity and tracked him to Ohio. His name had long been listed on an INTERPOL Red Notice, a global alert for wanted fugitives.
“This case underscores the importance of international collaboration in bringing criminals to justice,” officials said. “Despite jurisdictional challenges and decades of evasion, persistent law enforcement cooperation ensured he could no longer hide.”
A Warning to Fugitives: No Safe Haven
The arrest sends a strong message that the U.S. will not tolerate criminals exploiting immigration systems to escape accountability.
“The U.S. will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives who fraudulently obtain status to evade prosecution for serious crimes,” authorities emphasized.
Hoxha now faces deportation proceedings, with Belgium and Albania expected to seek his extradition for serving his sentences.
— Reported by Nexio News
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