Three Prison Guards Arrested After the Escape of Convict from Shënkoll Prison – Police: "Daut Laze is Dangerous," €10,000 Reward for Information on His Whereabouts
The escape of 49-year-old Daut Laze from Shënkoll Prison in Lezhë has led to the arrest of three employees of this institution. According to sources, after completing investigative procedures and analyzing the situation, the Internal Control Service has arrested three staff members of Shënkoll Prison.
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Despite intensive searches and a €10,000 reward offered for any useful information, the police have yet to locate 49-year-old Daut Laze. Authorities have placed a bounty for anyone who can provide details regarding his whereabouts.
Police have assessed that the escapee poses a social risk and have appealed to citizens for assistance.
Who is Daut Laze?
Daut Laze was arrested in 2021 for the criminal offense of "Domestic Violence." In 2024, the Tirana Court ruled that he should undergo compulsory treatment in a medical institution.
The Escape
Laze was serving his sentence at Shënkoll Prison in Lezhë, which for more than two years has been used as a temporary facility for inmates with mental health issues.
On the night of Monday, February 3, 2025, the 49-year-old from Çorovoda, but residing in Tirana, was being held in the prison’s medical unit. The convict, who was under compulsory medical treatment, managed to escape the specialized medical section of the prison by climbing over the perimeter wall.
His absence was only noticed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, during the shift change and the routine headcount.
Following an immediate search by the prison staff, it was confirmed that Laze had exploited gaps in the facility’s security measures to escape. Authorities are currently analyzing surveillance footage to fully reconstruct the event.
Ongoing Search and Reward Offer
The police stated that immediately after receiving the alert from the General Directorate of Prisons regarding Laze's escape, they mobilized forces and launched intensive operations to locate him.
Given his high social risk, authorities are urging citizens to report any information regarding his whereabouts.
In collaboration with the General Directorate of Prisons, efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive.
To encourage public cooperation, the State Police has offered a €10,000 reward for any useful information leading to his capture.
Citizens can report any sightings or details by calling the toll-free number 112 of the State Police or the dedicated hotline 068 200 29 61 set up by the General Directorate of Prisons.