An Israeli citizen accused by Russia of piracy has been detained in Cyprus

An Israeli national wanted by Russia on piracy charges has been arrested in Cyprus. According to SigmaLive, 47-year-old Alexey Kartsgor was detained at the port of Larnaca based on an international warrant issued by Interpol at the request of Russian authorities.

According to the investigation, Kartsgor is suspected of involvement in the pirate hijacking of the cargo ship Arctic Sea, which occurred in the Baltic Sea in 2009. The vessel, sailing under the Maltese flag from Finland to Algeria, disappeared for several weeks, causing a major international outcry. Russian investigators claim that Kartsgor was part of the group that seized the ship and its crew.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Kartsgor arrived in Cyprus by sea and did not realize he was on the international wanted list. He was detained by Cypriot police officers during passport control at the port of Larnaca.

The detainee was taken to a police detention center, and in the coming days, his case will be reviewed by the Larnaca District Court, which will decide on a possible extradition to Russia.

Cyprus police confirmed the arrest, noting that the operation was carried out as part of international law enforcement cooperation and information exchange through Interpol.