Colombia Arrests Russian National in Connection with European Murder-for-Hire Plot.

Denis Alimov's Arrest in Colombia

According to TSN.ua: A Russian citizen, Denis Alimov, was apprehended in Colombia on February 24, 2026, at Bogotá's airport after arriving on a Turkish Airlines flight. His arrest was executed under a U.S. international warrant, which accuses him of involvement in a conspiracy to arrange contract killings in Europe. This case highlights the global reach of organized crime and the international legal mechanisms used to pursue suspects.

U.S. investigators established that Alimov participated in a plot to assassinate two European figures between October 2024 and March 2025. In October 2024, he transferred approximately $60,000 to finance the planned attack. The promised reward for carrying out the murders was $1.5 million. A U.S. federal court in the Southern District of New York issued an arrest warrant for Alimov on December 18, 2025.

Military Background and Potential Consequences

Until 2022, Denis Alimov served in Russian military unit 35690, which is the Special Purpose Center of the Federal Security Service (FSB). If convicted, he faces a potential sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment. His capture in Colombia marks a significant development in a transnational investigation that has drawn attention to his activities and potential links to organized criminal networks in Europe.

This incident underscores the increasing international cooperation among law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and terrorism. Alimov's arrest could have serious implications for his alleged accomplices and may also impact diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia, particularly regarding security matters. Observers anticipate further investigations that may reveal new details about the structures and networks involved in these criminal activities across Europe.