Kyiv law enforcement officers have successfully apprehended a 53-year-old Armenian national who had been wanted by Interpol for over two decades. The official report from the National Police (https://npu.gov.ua/news/u-kyievi-zatrymaly-inozemtsia-iakyi-ponad-20-rokiv-perebuvav-u-mizhnarodnomu-rozshuku-za-vbyvstvo-ta-pidhotovku-zamovnoho-vbyvstva-v-inshii-kraini-natspolitsiia?v=6a4b77ad0717a) confirms the suspect was apprehended in the capital, marking the end of a long-term international investigation. The individual was sought for murder and the preparation of a contract killing in his home country.
According to police records, the man committed a fatal stabbing in Yerevan in 2003 following a personal dispute. Since fleeing the scene in 2005, he has led a clandestine life, utilizing forged identification documents and aliases to bypass law enforcement. Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that the suspect illegally obtained citizenship in an EU country, which facilitated his ability to move across borders undetected for many years.
Furthermore, intelligence revealed that the suspect was actively planning a contract killing alongside several accomplices. The scheme involved hiring individuals to carry out the murder for a fee ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, though the plan was never successfully executed. His criminal history is extensive, including previous convictions for robbery, assault, and illegal weapons possession.
Currently, the suspect is held in custody pending extradition procedures to Armenia, where he faces up to 20 years in prison. Ukrainian authorities are also investigating whether he was involved in any criminal activities during his stay in Ukraine. This arrest highlights the effective cooperation between the Ukrainian National Police and international justice organizations. Despite the ongoing challenges of the war, Ukraine remains committed to ensuring public safety and fulfilling its international obligations regarding the capture and extradition of dangerous criminals. The case serves as a warning that no matter how long a fugitive manages to hide, law enforcement databases and intelligence cooperation eventually catch up with those who pose a threat to society.