News Releases

International fugitive apprehended and charged with making false statements to federal agents
Man wanted by Greek government for kidnapping and murder of a minor

NEW YORK - An international fugitive wanted for kidnapping and murder is now in custody following an intensive investigation by federal agencies and INTERPOL in New York City.

Michael J. Garcia, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter J. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Joseph R. Guccione, the United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York, and Martin Renkiewicz, Director of the United States National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, announced that Dimitrios Skaftouros was arrested Thursday on a charge of making false statements to federal agents about his identity.

Greek authorities want Skaftouros for the kidnapping and murder of a minor. According to the criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the arrest was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force (RFTF). Based on information provided by INTERPOL, RFTF investigators identified and stopped Skaftouros. He provided a false name to the agents, as well as a driver's license with the same false name. A fingerprint analysis confirmed that the fingerprints taken of Skaftouros at the time of his arrest matched those provided by Interpol.

United States Magistrate Judge Michael H. Dollinger set bail of a $1 million personal recognizance bond signed by three financially responsible people and secured by $50,000.

Skaftouros is charged with one count of making false statements to federal officers. If convicted, Skaftouros faces a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, three years' supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

Mr. Garcia praised the investigative work of ICE agents and the United States Marshals Service, and thanked INTERPOL for its assistance.