Tomasz Waga murder investigation: Suspect extradited from Albania

Detectives investigating the death of Tomasz Waga on January 28, 2021, have charged a further man in connection with his murder.

Gledis Mehalla, 20, was arrested in Albania and extradited on Thursday, January 20 in a successful, joint operation involving South Wales Police Major Crime Detectives and other UK and Albanian law enforcement agencies.

He is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, January 21).

Three other men - Josif Nushi, Mihal Dhana and Mario Qato - are due to stand trial on March 1 charged with murder.

Other individuals arrested during this long and complex investigation remain on bail awaiting trial in relation to other matters.

Tomasz's body was discovered by a member of the public at approximately 11.30pm on Thursday, January 28, 2021 in Westville Road, Penylan, Cardiff.

Mehalla was arrested in Albania on October 2, 2021, following the issue of an international arrest warrant for murder and grievous bodily harm by South Wales Police.

The Home Office issued an extradition request which was subsequently ordered by an Albanian Court on November 5, 2021.

Two other men, Josif Nushi and Mihal Dhana, charged in connection with Tomasz’s murder were extradited from Paris, France, in July last year.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea, said:

“International borders are no barrier to us pursuing people suspected of murder in the UK, we have excellent links with law enforcement colleagues across Europe including Albania.

“I am very keen now to establish the whereabouts of two more Albanian nationals who are wanted in connection with this offence. I would appeal to the Albanian community in the UK and abroad to assist us in locating the two wanted men. There is a Crimestoppers reward for information leading to their arrest.

“Information can also been provided to us directly through the Major Investigation Public Portal. Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Mr Waga’s family continue to be supported by Family Liaison Officers and are being kept updated as the case continues to develop.

“I say to the remaining two other people we are seeking that it is in your interests to come forward voluntarily and provide us with your accounts of what took place in Cardiff on the night of January 28 2021.”

The two other men remain wanted on suspicion of murder are:

• Elidon Elezi, 22, last known address East Finchley, London.
• Artan Pelluci, 29, last known address Cathays, Cardiff.

A number of vehicles have been seized as part of the investigation but attention remains on the whereabouts of a silver/grey Mercedes C200 Sport, registration BK09 RBX.

The Mercedes, which has links to the investigation and could contain vital evidence, was last seen in Cardiff on the day his body was found.

A £5,000 reward remains on offer from Crimestoppers for information about the outstanding suspects and the whereabouts of the Mercedes.

A previous registered owner of the vehicle lives in the Fairwater area of Cardiff and is in no way connected to this investigation.

Anybody with information should contact 101 / [email protected] or provide information online via the Major Investigation Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP21B26-PO1