Interpol most wanted suspect nabbed at OR Tambo

The BMA says in a statement that the German suspect was initially intercepted in Turkey, travelling with a fraudulent Israeli passport.

He was returned to South Africa on 8 November 2024. 

The Agency’s spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi, says during the subsequent investigation, officials noticed the suspect had a German accent despite claiming to be an Israeli national.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was contacted and confirmed through the Embassy that the suspect was not an Israeli national.

“Upon further investigation by the BMA officials, Interpol was contacted, and the suspect was found to be on the red list of the most wanted and had evaded arrest for drug trafficking for the past eight years. The suspect was also found to have an international warrant of arrest and had been living in Malawi under a new identity and in possession of a Malawian temporary residence.”

The suspect was found to have traveled using both German and Israeli passports and is suspected of having stolen the Israeli identity.

“Interpol immediately arrested the suspect, and he is still in custody awaiting extradition to Germany,” said Mogotsi.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato has commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officials involved.

“This interception underscores the critical role the BMA plays in safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry and collaborating with international security agencies to combat transnational crime. Our robust systems and partnerships with Interpol and other global entities have proven indispensable in protecting our nation’s security and integrity.”

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