The arrest of convicted criminal Mohamed Amra, known as 'The Fly,' in Romania marks the end of a months-long manhunt following a deadly ambush that resulted in the deaths of two prison officers. French President Emmanuel Macron and officials have expressed their gratitude to the international cooperation that led to his recapture.
Notorious French Prisoner 'The Fly' Captured in Romania After Deadly Escape
Notorious French Prisoner 'The Fly' Captured in Romania After Deadly Escape
Mohamed Amra, who escaped from custody following a violent ambush, has been apprehended, bringing a sigh of relief to French authorities and the families of fallen prison officers.
A French convict known as Mohamed Amra, or 'The Fly,' was apprehended in Romania nearly nine months after he escaped during a deadly ambush on a police van. French officials confirmed the arrest, highlighting Amra’s connections to a major drug gang in Marseille. The incident occurred on May 14, 2024, when gunmen armed with military-grade weapons attacked the van, killing two prison officers and injuring three others near Rouen, Normandy.
President Emmanuel Macron praised the capture as a significant achievement and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of European authorities and French investigators, thanking Romania for their essential role in securing Amra’s apprehension.
The ambush saw the police van rammed by attackers, who fired shots before fleeing in a getaway vehicle that was later found abandoned nearby. Amra had recently been convicted of burglary and was being held at a prison in Val-de-Reuil when he escaped following the chaos of the attack. He had also been indicted for a kidnapping involving a fatality, further complicating his criminal profile.
Despite being classified as a dangerous inmate, his transport required a "level three escort," which involved five officers accompanying him. His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, expressed shock at the violence of the incident, noting Amra's previous attempts to escape prior to the ambush.
The attack was particularly sobering for France, as it marked the first time since 1992 that prison officers had died in the line of duty. In response to the violent events, over 300 investigators were mobilized to locate Amra, and roadblocks were established across north-west France as part of the search effort. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced the successful capture on social media, signaling the conclusion of an unprecedented manhunt for the escaped prisoner.
