They surely killed him. Yet, what exactly happened remains a mystery. Perhaps he was accidentally shot during a hunting trip, or maybe it was a murder after a quarrel: he was struck with a crowbar or a stone.

But a premeditated execution is not excluded: a car stopped, a man got out and fired,” writes the Italian newspaper Corriere.

The incident occurred at midnight between Friday and Saturday, in Salari, a remote place about 200 kilometers from Tirana.

The victim is an Italian, a successful entrepreneur in construction, 44-year-old Edoardo Sarchi, originally from the Varese area, and married. At least three people – a father and his two sons – were with Sarchi during the hunting trip in the valleys near the Vjosa River.

The Italian Embassy in Tirana is closely following the case and is in constant contact with Sarchi’s family, including his sister Margherita and cousins Antonio and Leonardo – both builders and part of the family business. Edoardo was CEO of Tegola Edilcentro, a well-known company that produces and exports construction materials.

According to investigations, Sarchi – a passionate hunter – had dinner at the home of the Braçe family: father Eqerem and sons Gazmend and Daniel, with whom he had business ties. After dinner, the group set off hunting with two vehicles – a Volkswagen and a Land Rover Defender – while the death occurred on a narrow road in a mountainous area.

The mystery of the event is difficult to unravel: the Land Rover’s tires were deflated, but it is unclear whether this was done deliberately.

“Traces of blood were found on the car and on the asphalt – but not inside the vehicles. Investigators believe Sarchi was pulled from the car and shot, perhaps even stabbed or hit with a stone. The body was later found by someone who raised the alarm,” Corriere reports.

According to Italian media, the Braçe family is known for previous violent incidents and is co-owner of Edilcentro – and they have given contradictory statements.

“They reported that a group of people ambushed and shot at them during the hunt. One family member said he found the Italian dead on the road, while another declared he died in their hands. Investigators are also pursuing the lead of a business conflict,” the article states.

The Sarchi family’s ties with Albania are strong. Edoardo’s uncle, Augusto Nidoli, founded Edilcentro, now run by cousin Antonio. Edoardo’s father, Vittorio, was a well-known figure in Varese politics until his death in 2022. His cousin, Riccardo Barbieri, owner of a B&B in the area, said:

“Edoardo was a good man, dedicated to his work, which he spoke to me about the last time I saw him, at his father’s funeral,” writes Corriere.