Vlora Arson Case Solved, 33-Year-Old Arrested for Setting Competitors’ Home on Fire

Authorities in Vlora have quickly solved the arson case that occurred in the “Lef Sallata” neighborhood, an incident that was initially treated as accidental.

Barend Hoxhaj, a 33-year-old resident of the coastal city, was arrested on suspicion of setting fire to the entrance door of an apartment where two people, a brother and sister, were sleeping during the early hours of August 4, 2026.

According to preliminary findings from the investigation, the act is believed to have been motivated by a dispute over market competition, as both the suspect and the victims operated in the same sector: renting out tourist accommodation in Vlora.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire, but the property sustained extensive material damage.

According to the official police statement, after receiving a report at around 2:40 a.m. on August 4, the Crime Investigation Section at the Vlora Police Station immediately took the necessary steps, making it possible to solve the case and locate and detain the suspect within a very short period of time.

The case file was subsequently referred to the Vlora Prosecutor’s Office for further proceedings, while Barend Hoxhaj has been charged with the criminal offense of “Destruction of Property by Fire.”