# Arrest of Russian ex-military in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-russian-ex-military-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-10-12T20:00:50.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Sergei Kotelnikov, a former Russian military member serving a life sentence in Russia for drug trafficking and document forgery, was arrested in the Águas Claras neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The arrest was part of ‘Operation Artemis,’ conducted by the Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime (FICCO/BA) with support from the Military Police and Interpol. Kotelnikov was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and a warrant from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court. Investigations indicate he was attempting to establish a criminal network in Brazil to distribute weapons, ammunition, and drugs to local organized crime factions. Before his capture in Salvador, he had reportedly traveled through São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Following his arrest, Kotelnikov was taken to the Federal Police headquarters in Salvador. Brazilian authorities intend to notify the Russian government to begin formal extradition proceedings. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Russian ex-military Sergei Kotelnikov arrested in Salvador Russian ex-military Sergei Kotelnikov, wanted for drug trafficking and life imprisonment in Russia, was arrested in Salvador, Brazil, on suspicion of planning arms and drug distribution for criminal factions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-ex-military-sergei-kotelnikov-arrested-in-salvador ### 2026-10-10: Salvador police arrest Russian ex-military sentenced to life imprisonment Russian ex-military Sergei Kotelnikov, sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking, was arrested in Salvador, Brazil, for allegedly attempting to supply weapons and drugs to local criminal factions. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-convict-sergei-kotelnikov-arrested-in-salvador --- Cite as: Arrest of Russian ex-military in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-of-russian-ex-military-in-brazil