Convicted Killer Allegedly Made £20,000 in Seven Minutes on TikTok While Imprisoned in the UK

An Albanian murderer has reportedly earned £20,000 from a TikTok livestream filmed inside his prison cell in the United Kingdom. This incident has sparked significant concerns regarding the safety protocols within correctional facilities and the impact of social media on those incarcerated.

Eugert Merizaj was sentenced to 32 years in May 2022 for the killing of rival drug dealer Hemawand Ali Hussein, in which he used a shotgun. Despite being behind bars at HM Prison Manchester, he allegedly used a contraband mobile phone to livestream from his cell. He used TikTok's Live Match feature to solicit donations from thousands of followers.

How the TikTok Livestream Worked

In a report by the Daily Mail, Merizaj's earnings came in just seven minutes. TikTok's Live Match feature enables users to engage with their audience, who have the option to send virtual gifts such as roses, footballs, or stars. These gifts convert into points that can subsequently be exchanged for cash, although it is reported that TikTok retains more than 50% of the earnings.

Some of the more expensive virtual gifts can cost over £400 each, meaning donations from even a small number of viewers can quickly add up. Merizaj's accounts, which collectively had over 45,000 followers, enabled him to amass points allegedly worth £20,000 in a single session. The Sun sources indicate that the money was sent to a friend outside prison.

Prisoner Flaunts Life Online

Merizaj has been active on social media since 2023, despite it being illegal for prisoners to possess mobile phones. Videos suggest he enjoyed a relatively comfortable lifestyle, with access to a TV, games console, speakers, and books in his native Albanian.

On Instagram, he also posed outside his cell wearing £550 Dolce & Gabbana trainers and vaping. The image has a caption that says 'stronger than ever' in Albanian.

In one TikTok video discussing his planned transfer back to Albania, Merizaj said:
'The food in this prison is terrible. You can't even speak Albanian here - only English ... But the main reason I want to go back is to see my family. That's what matters most.'

Authorities have since blocked his social media accounts after being alerted to new posts.

Officials Condemn Social Media Abuse

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy weighed in and attacked the Ministry of Justice. He reiterated that the justice system is meant to protect the public and punish criminals. He emphasised that offenders such as Merizaj should face harsh punishment and deportation, and it should not fall to social media companies to step in.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson responded and described Merizaj's behaviour as 'completely unacceptable'. They confirmed that immediate action was taken to remove his posts. 'We are investing £40million in security measures to clamp down on illicit items. Prisoners who break the rules can face extra jail time', the representative added.

The situation has raised alarms regarding the accessibility of contraband phones within UK prisons and the influence of social media in enabling significant fundraising efforts for inmates.

Merizaj is due to be deported to Albania as part of a £4million-a-year prisoner transfer agreement, introduced in May 2023. He will be transferred to Peqin prison, a high-security facility in western Albania that houses some of the country's most notorious offenders.

Are Inmates Exploiting Social Media?

Merizaj's case highlights the challenges of monitoring prisoner activity in the digital age. Platforms like TikTok allow users to broadcast to a wide audience, potentially turning illicit activity into profitable ventures. Without stricter controls, similar incidents could be repeated, undermining public confidence in prison oversight.

This incident also raises questions about rehabilitation, deportation, and the responsibilities of social media platforms in policing content that originates from correctional facilities.