Denis Alimov's Arrest in Colombia
A Russian citizen, Denis Alimov, was detained at Bogota's airport on a U.S. request. He is suspected of conspiring to murder or kidnap two prominent European figures. The arrest was executed under an Interpol Red Notice, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 18, 2025. This case highlights the long reach of U.S. law enforcement and international judicial cooperation.
Alimov is accused of financing the operation and coordinating with accomplices. Specifically, he transferred $60,000 to fund the plot and promised $1.5 million to the perpetrators for each target. Furthermore, Alimov provided technical data, including IP addresses and phone numbers, and coordinated his associates' actions. One accomplice was arrested in New York in March 2025.
International Repercussions of the Arrest
The Telegram channel VChK-OGPU notes that Denis Alimov is a high-ranking officer of Russia's FSB security service. He reportedly served in the elite Vympel special unit and used the alias "Ariyets" (Aryan). Against the backdrop of Moscow's attempts to negotiate with Washington, Alimov's arrest and the ensuing legal proceedings could present an unwelcome complication for the Kremlin, as expert Andrey Kalitin pointed out.
This detention underscores growing international collaboration against terrorism and crime, signaling potential consequences for Russian officers involved in illicit activities abroad. It may impact U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations, particularly within the context of ongoing negotiations between the two powers. The investigation is also likely to raise questions about the overseas activities and operational methods of Russian intelligence services.