A mother from the UK, wanted in Albania for her alleged involvement in a “hit squad,” is resisting extradition from a undisclosed location due to concerns about potential retaliation.
Harriet Bridgeman, aged 30, reportedly assumed a tourist persona along with three accomplices as they registered at a luxurious hotel owned by their purported target, Ardian Nikulaj. They are accused of surveilling Nikulaj’s activities while enjoying complimentary meals from him and engaging in conversation with his spouse.
Shortly after, another member of the group entered the hotel restaurant and fatally shot Nikulaj at close range, as captured in disturbing CCTV footage from April 2023. Bridgeman is currently residing in a coastal hotel under a curfew, following her conditional release on bail secured by her father.
To safeguard Bridgeman from potential harm, District Judge Michael Snow has prohibited the disclosure of her location, allowing her to interact with unsuspecting guests and families at the hotel. The other suspects, Steven Hunt, Thomas Mithan, and Harry Simpson, have been implicated in the crime alongside Edmond Haxhia, who is accused of orchestrating the attack as part of a long-standing feud dating back to 1997.
Following their arrests on international warrants, a court has prevented the publication of Bridgeman’s address out of concern for her safety. Despite their denial of the accusations, the suspects are contesting extradition orders. The court’s decision to send Bridgeman and her associates to Albania is under review in a current Court of Appeal hearing.