An Albanian national convicted of murder has sparked outrage in the United Kingdom after it was revealed he earned around £20,000 through TikTok livestreams while serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Eugert Merizaj, 33, is currently imprisoned at HMP Manchester after being sentenced in 2022 to 32 years in jail for the shotgun murder of rival drug dealer Hemawand Ali Hussein in Hartlepool in 2019. Despite strict prison regulations banning mobile phones and social media use, Merizaj managed to operate TikTok livestreams from inside his prison cell using a contraband device.

According to reports, Merizaj generated thousands of pounds through TikTok Live “battles,” a feature where users livestream against one another while followers send virtual gifts that can be converted into real money. In one livestream alone last week, he is believed to have earned approximately £20,000.

After the activity was exposed, both the UK Ministry of Justice and TikTok stated that his account had been blocked. However, Merizaj quickly returned to the platform using alternative accounts. He also used Instagram to urge followers to support his new TikTok profile, writing that his previous account had been shut down.

Investigations have identified at least three separate accounts allegedly linked to Merizaj, all used to livestream from prison. He has also shared photos of himself wearing designer clothing while incarcerated.

It has also emerged that Merizaj should be deported to Albania to serve his sentence but has openly claimed that he has successfully blocked the transfer.

The case has drawn political criticism, with Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy stating that the Prison Service was allowing criminals to “laugh at us” by failing to enforce rules.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said the behavior was unacceptable, confirming that an investigation is underway and that £40 million is being invested in new prison security measures to combat illegal phones and other contraband. Prisoners found violating rules could face additional time behind bars.