Albanian Murderer Earns £20k in Seven Minutes via TikTok Livestream from UK Prison Cell
An Albanian murderer serving a lengthy sentence in a UK prison has allegedly generated £20,000 from a TikTok livestream recorded directly from his cell. Eugert Merizaj, incarcerated at HMP Manchester, reportedly amassed this substantial sum in just seven minutes while filming on an illicit mobile phone, blatantly violating prison regulations.
Contraband Phone Fuels Lucrative Social Media Activity
Merizaj, who received a 32-year sentence in May 2022 for his involvement in the shotgun killing of rival drug dealer Hemawand Ali Hussein, has been regularly broadcasting from his cell. The earnings were facilitated through TikTok's 'Live Match' feature, where users engage in short video conversations and solicit donations from viewers.
Participants compete to receive the most 'gifts'—virtual stickers that spectators purchase. These gifts convert into points, which can ultimately be redeemed for cash, though TikTok is understood to retain over 50 percent of the revenue. While some gifts like roses and footballs cost less than a penny, premium items such as stars can exceed £400 each.
Social Media Presence and Pending Deportation
Merizaj has maintained multiple TikTok accounts, one boasting over 45,000 followers, enabling him to accumulate points equivalent to £20,000. His earnings are believed to be channeled to an external associate's account. Despite the illegality of mobile phone use in prisons, Merizaj has livestreamed since 2023, with guards seemingly unable to intervene. TikTok has since blocked his accounts following alerts about his activities.
After years of posting videos pleading for repatriation, Merizaj is slated for deportation under a £4 million annual prisoner transfer scheme between the UK and Albania. This agreement, effective from May 2023, aims to repatriate 200 of Albania's most dangerous criminals annually, though delays have limited transfers to just 11 prisoners so far.
Lifestyle and Legal Background
Merizaj's social media content depicts a relatively comfortable prison existence, showcasing items like a television, speaker, games console, and books in his native language. He has also flaunted luxury goods on Instagram, including £550 Dolce & Gabbana trainers, with captions in Albanian such as 'stronger than ever'.
In 2019, Merizaj was part of a gang that lured Hemawand Ali Hussein to a house in Hartlepool, County Durham, where he was fatally shot. Although Merizaj did not pull the trigger and was absent during the killing, Mr Justice Lavender sentenced him to life in 2022, citing his significant role in planning the murder and procuring weapons like an axe.
Security Concerns and Official Response
Upon deportation, Merizaj will be transferred to Peqin prison, a high-security facility in western Albania housing notorious criminals. The Ministry of Justice has condemned his behaviour, stating immediate action was taken to remove the posts and launch an urgent investigation.
A spokesperson emphasised, 'This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We are investing £40 million in security measures to clamp down on illicit items. Prisoners who break the rules can face extra jail time.' This incident underscores ongoing challenges in preventing contraband and maintaining discipline within the UK prison system.
