Greek police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 47-year-old Albanian national in Athens on Monday night, with authorities pointing to a possible gangland score-settling linked to drug trafficking.

The victim, killed in the central district of Agios Panteleimonas, was well known to law enforcement. He had a history of criminal activity, having been arrested in February 2022 for involvement in an organized theft ring targeting public transport passengers. He was detained again in April 2024 in connection with similar cases.

Attention has also turned to the victim’s 38-year-old brother, who has repeatedly drawn the attention of police in both Greece and Albania. He has faced charges in Albania for murder and membership in a criminal organization.

Albanian media report that the family has longstanding ties to organized crime and suggest the killing may be directly connected to the brother’s criminal activities and unresolved disputes.

Greek authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, with all possibilities under review.