On Saturday, it was announced that Mohamed Amra, infamously dubbed 'The Fly', has been arrested in Romania. His capture comes nearly nine months after a harrowing attack where he escaped from a police van following a brutal ambush in May 2024 near Rouen, Normandy. The ambush resulted in the tragic deaths of two prison officers and injuries to three others, all victims of gunfire from assailants wielding military-grade assault weapons.
French President Emmanuel Macron termed Amra’s capture a "formidable success" and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers. He expressed gratitude towards both European partners and the dedicated French investigators who tirelessly pursued Amra across various regions.
The attackers had targeted the police van while stationed at a toll booth, paving the way for Amra's escape. The aftermath saw a swift police investigation leading to an intensive manhunt with over 300 detectives deployed and numerous roadblocks set up throughout north-west France.
Details surrounding Amra's criminal record reveal his links to significant drug trafficking operations in Marseille and previous charges of burglary and involvement in a kidnapping that resulted in death. While prosecutors noted that he was not classified as a highly dangerous prisoner, the circumstances of his transport necessitated a level three escort involving five officers.
Amra's lawyer revealed that the convict had previously attempted to escape by tampering with his prison cell, describing the violence surrounding the ambush as "inexcusable" and "insane". The incident marked a grim milestone, being the first time French prison officers had been killed in duty since 1992.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou commented on the successful resolution of the manhunt, stating, "After a manhunt lasting several months, Amra has been arrested, finally!" The police and authorities continue to debrief on the operational details surrounding Amra’s capture and the broader implications of prison safety and escape protocols.
French President Emmanuel Macron termed Amra’s capture a "formidable success" and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers. He expressed gratitude towards both European partners and the dedicated French investigators who tirelessly pursued Amra across various regions.
The attackers had targeted the police van while stationed at a toll booth, paving the way for Amra's escape. The aftermath saw a swift police investigation leading to an intensive manhunt with over 300 detectives deployed and numerous roadblocks set up throughout north-west France.
Details surrounding Amra's criminal record reveal his links to significant drug trafficking operations in Marseille and previous charges of burglary and involvement in a kidnapping that resulted in death. While prosecutors noted that he was not classified as a highly dangerous prisoner, the circumstances of his transport necessitated a level three escort involving five officers.
Amra's lawyer revealed that the convict had previously attempted to escape by tampering with his prison cell, describing the violence surrounding the ambush as "inexcusable" and "insane". The incident marked a grim milestone, being the first time French prison officers had been killed in duty since 1992.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou commented on the successful resolution of the manhunt, stating, "After a manhunt lasting several months, Amra has been arrested, finally!" The police and authorities continue to debrief on the operational details surrounding Amra’s capture and the broader implications of prison safety and escape protocols.
