Albanian Murderer Earns £20,000 LIVE on TikTok From His UK Prison Cell in Just 7 Minutes

A convicted Albanian murderer has sparked outrage after allegedly earning around £20,000 ($27,340) during a TikTok livestream broadcast directly from inside his UK prison cell. The shocking episode has reignited concerns about prison security, contraband mobile phones and the ability of dangerous offenders to profit from social media while behind bars.

Prison sources said the broadcast was made possible by a smuggled smartphone, raising fresh questions about how illicit devices continue to circulate behind bars despite repeated government pledges to crack down on contraband.

The incident has embarrassed prison authorities and intensified criticism that inmates are still able to flout basic rules, communicate freely with the outside world and even generate significant income while serving lengthy sentences.

Livestreaming From Behind Bars

According to the report by The Sun, Eugert Merizaj was able to go live on TikTok despite serving a sentence for murder in MHP Manchester. During the broadcast, he reportedly interacted freely with viewers, joked, posed for the camera and encouraged followers to send virtual gifts through the app's Live match feature.

In just seven minutes, his stream is said to have generated tens of thousands of pounds.

The footage quickly circulated online, prompting public anger and questions over how an inmate could access a smartphone, maintain an internet connection and stream uninterrupted from within a secure prison environment.

How the Prisoner Made Money on TikTok

TikTok allows viewers to purchase digital 'gifts' for creators during livestreams. These gifts are bought with real money and can later be cashed out by the streamer.

In this case, supporters allegedly sent a flood of gifts during the broadcast, allowing the inmate to rack up an extraordinary sum in minutes. The incident highlights how social media monetisation tools can be exploited, even by those who are legally barred from online activity.

Prison Rules Allegedly Breached

By livestreaming from his cell, the prisoner is believed to have breached multiple prison regulations. These include the strict prohibition on possessing or using unauthorised mobile phones, accessing the internet without permission, and communicating with the outside world via social media.

UK prison rules also forbid prisoners from running businesses or earning money without approval, particularly through online platforms.

Additionally, recording or broadcasting images from inside a prison is a serious violation, as it can compromise security, reveal layouts or routines, and undermine prison authority.

Security Failures Under Scrutiny

The case has intensified scrutiny of prison security measures, especially the ongoing problem of contraband phones. Despite regular searches, signal-blocking technology and severe penalties, illicit devices continue to find their way into cells across the UK.

Prison officers' unions have repeatedly warned that overcrowding and staff shortages make it harder to control the flow of illegal items, while organised networks both inside and outside prisons profit from smuggling phones to inmates.

Deportation Order Looms

Merizaj is expected to be deported to Albania at the end of his sentence, under existing powers to remove foreign national offenders convicted of serious crimes. The Home Office routinely seeks the automatic deportation of non-UK nationals sentenced to more than 12 months in prison, particularly in cases involving violence.

Officials have previously said such removals are intended both to protect the public and to reduce pressure on the prison system. The TikTok livestream controversy is likely to add further scrutiny to his case, with sources suggesting authorities will be keen to ensure his removal is carried out swiftly once he becomes eligible.