In a significant development, Mohamed Amra, infamously referred to as 'La Mouche' or 'The Fly', has been arrested in Romania, nearly nine months after escaping from custody in a shocking ambush incident that left two prison officers dead and three others injured. French officials confirmed his capture, putting an end to a prolonged manhunt that began after the van attack in May 2024.
The ambush occurred at a toll booth near Rouen, Normandy, where Amra was transported under extensive escort due to his dangerous profile. Investigators had been on high alert following reports of Amra's connections to a major drug gang based in Marseille, heightening concerns over his potential for violence.
President Emmanuel Macron praised the collaborative efforts of European law enforcement and extended his condolences to the families of the fallen officers, emphasizing the importance of their recovery efforts. He expressed gratitude to Romania for their critical assistance in locating and apprehending Amra.
On the day of the ambush, intense violence was unleashed when assailants armed with military-grade weapons attacked the prison van. The chaos resulted in two officers being killed, marking a tragic moment for France's prison service, as the incident became the first killing of prison officers in the line of duty in over three decades.
Amidst the manhunt, more than 300 investigators were deployed across northwestern France to follow leads and set up roadblocks in hopes of capturing the fugitive. Amendments in security protocols and scrutiny in prison transport policies are expected as a response to this incident.
As reported by local authorities, Amra had previously been convicted of burglary and was awaiting trial for a kidnapping case resulting in a death. Although he was not classified as a highly dangerous inmate, concerns about his escape led to increased security measures.
Following his arrest, Prime Minister François Bayrou announced the development on social media with relief, stating, "Finally! After a manhunt lasting several months, Amra has been arrested."
The ambush occurred at a toll booth near Rouen, Normandy, where Amra was transported under extensive escort due to his dangerous profile. Investigators had been on high alert following reports of Amra's connections to a major drug gang based in Marseille, heightening concerns over his potential for violence.
President Emmanuel Macron praised the collaborative efforts of European law enforcement and extended his condolences to the families of the fallen officers, emphasizing the importance of their recovery efforts. He expressed gratitude to Romania for their critical assistance in locating and apprehending Amra.
On the day of the ambush, intense violence was unleashed when assailants armed with military-grade weapons attacked the prison van. The chaos resulted in two officers being killed, marking a tragic moment for France's prison service, as the incident became the first killing of prison officers in the line of duty in over three decades.
Amidst the manhunt, more than 300 investigators were deployed across northwestern France to follow leads and set up roadblocks in hopes of capturing the fugitive. Amendments in security protocols and scrutiny in prison transport policies are expected as a response to this incident.
As reported by local authorities, Amra had previously been convicted of burglary and was awaiting trial for a kidnapping case resulting in a death. Although he was not classified as a highly dangerous inmate, concerns about his escape led to increased security measures.
Following his arrest, Prime Minister François Bayrou announced the development on social media with relief, stating, "Finally! After a manhunt lasting several months, Amra has been arrested."
