Israeli Claims Kidnapping in Ukraine, Extradition Sought by Russia
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
An Israeli citizen claims he was kidnapped in Kyiv, Ukraine, and taken to Moldova while working on a captured Russian drone project. Russia is seeking his extradition for alleged financial fraud, which he denies, believing it's a pretext for his persecution. A Moldovan court rejected the initial extradition request, but an appeal is pending, and he is currently unable to leave Moldova.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- An Israeli citizen claims he was kidnapped in Ukraine and forcibly taken to Moldova.
- Russia seeks his extradition for alleged financial fraud totaling 300 million rubles.
- The Israeli denies the charges, suspecting it's a pretext for his persecution over drone research.
- A Moldovan court rejected the initial extradition request, but prosecutors have appealed.
- He is currently barred from leaving Moldova pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
- He previously led a special sniper unit in Gaza during his IDF service.
An Israeli citizen claims he was kidnapped in Kyiv, Ukraine, and forcibly taken to Moldova while working on a project involving a captured Russian drone. The man, identified only as R. and whose name is not disclosed by the publication "Mako," stated he was employed by a Kyiv-based cybersecurity firm assisting the Ukrainian army.
Shortly before his alleged abduction, he participated in a secret project to study a Russian drone seized by Ukrainian forces. He claims individuals posing as Ukrainian intelligence agents put him in a car and transported him to Moldova, where he was imprisoned. After several weeks, he learned Russia was seeking his extradition through Interpol, accusing him of financial fraud totaling 300 million rubles allegedly committed in 2014.
The Israeli vehemently denies the charges, believing Russia is using the criminal case as a pretext for his persecution due to his access to sensitive information about the drone research. "Mako" reports that a Moldovan court of first instance rejected the extradition request, deeming the evidence of fraud insufficient, though prosecutors have appealed the decision.
He has been released from custody but is barred from leaving Moldova pending the legal proceedings. The man also mentioned leading a special sniper unit in Gaza during his service in the IDF prior to the 2005 disengagement. A letter from former Gaza Division commander Gadi Shamni was cited, confirming the unit's activities. Israeli consulate representatives reportedly visited him during his detention. He is currently in a difficult financial situation and wishes to reunite with his family.