What changed
2026-07-27 20:48 UTC → 2026-07-27 21:07 UTC ·
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On 10 July 2026 Dubai police detained a man known as “Entik”, identified as the leader of a Russian‑Ukrainian organised‑crime network, “Entik” on 10 July 2026 after an Interpol red notice and cooperation with Greek investigators. Greek and Cypriot authorities awaited confirmation; Entik He is wanted on alleged to lead a European arrest warrant for Russian‑Ukrainian organised‑crime network involved in contract killings and large‑scale counterfeit tobacco smuggling, with links to over more than 150 suspects. Three days later Russian officials appealed to Athens, asserting Entik’s Greek and Cypriot authorities awaited confirmation, while Russia asserted his Russian citizenship and urging protection of his legal rights. His lawyers sought his transfer to Russia rather than Greece, while security services in Cyprus and Greece reviewed the case. On 15 July 2026 protection. UAE police authorities confirmed the capture and announced on 15 July, noting that Greece, Cyprus and France have issued international arrest warrants; warrants – France added adding charges related to for an attempted assassination of a Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco. Cypriot authorities were formally notified. The presence of a Russian passport introduced added diplomatic complexities, complexity, and the UAE remained cautious about extradition to any requesting state. A further development on extradition. On 27 July 2026 reported that July, Dubai also detained placed in custody Entik’s alleged deputy “Leonidas”. Both men, described as the head and deputy of a Russian‑speaking criminal organization, are accused of illegal cigarette smuggling, contract killings of Greek‑Mafia figures (including Giannis Skafoutros, Vasilis Roumbetas, Dionysis Mouzakitis and Vangelis Zampounis), extortion, kidnappings, bombings and arson. Greek and Cypriot officials have formally requested extradition of both extradition, while Russia protests that the suspects should not be sent to Greece, and Greece or Cyprus lodged a similar request; Russia expressed interest in transferring them to Russia instead. for security reasons. Dubai officials said say the two men detainees have been in custody held for roughly two weeks and that a decision on the extradition requests are still under review. The detainees are accused of multiple murders and a range of violent crimes tied to the trans‑national “Greek Mafia”. Extradition discussions continue among the UAE, Greece, Cyprus, France and Russia, with a final decision still is pending.