French Fugitive Captured After 9-Month Manhunt, Faces Justice in Romanian Court Following Deadly Escape

Mohamed Amra, a French fugitive, appeared in a Romanian court on February 23, 2025, following his arrest in Bucharest after a nine-month international manhunt. He is suspected of orchestrating a deadly prison escape last year that resulted in the deaths of two guards during the incident.

Amra, known as “The Fly,” was sentenced for burglary and was wanted for more serious charges, including attempted organized homicide and kidnapping leading to death. His escape from a prison convoy in Normandy last May involved armed assailants, prompting Interpol to issue an arrest notice. Romanian authorities apprehended him near a shopping center after French investigators alerted them about his potential whereabouts.

During his court appearance, Amra was seen with dyed red hair, possibly to conceal his identity. Romanian police confirmed his identity through facial recognition and fingerprint analysis despite the change in appearance. Alongside Amra, ten other individuals were arrested for allegedly aiding in his escape and subsequent evasion from law enforcement.

Amra has connections to organized crime in Marseille and is suspected of leading a drug trafficking network. His case raises significant concerns regarding prison security and the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation. Romanian judicial authorities will now determine whether he will be extradited to France to face charges.

The arrest of Mohamed Amra underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking fugitives across borders. His case highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing serious criminal activities.