Murder of Ukrainian in Vienna: Ukrainian and Austrian police detain suspects
The National Police of Ukraine, together with Austrian law enforcement agencies and with the support of Europol, identified and detained two Ukrainian citizens involved in the murder of a Ukrainian in Vienna. Both suspects have already been served a notice of suspicion, and the court has chosen custody as a measure of restraint.
The investigation began on 26 November after the police in Kharkiv region received a report of the disappearance of a 21-year-old Ukrainian. Later, Austrian law enforcement officials reported finding a burnt car in Vienna with the body of an unknown person inside. An expert examination confirmed that the deceased was the missing Ukrainian citizen.
The investigation established that the attackers beat the victim, threatened to kill him and forced him to provide access to his crypto wallet. After that, they put the man in the trunk of a Mercedes Benz and set the vehicle on fire. According to the investigation, the preparation for the crime was thorough, including the purchase of petrol for the arson in advance for cash.
After the murder, the suspects left Austria and travelled to Ukraine on 26 November. Thanks to international data exchange and an Interpol Red Notice, their whereabouts were established in Odesa, where they were both detained.
During searches of the hotel room, apartment and car, police seized cash in foreign and national currency, phones, clothes and other material evidence. On 16 December, the proceedings were reclassified under Part 2 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation is ongoing, and the Ukrainian and Austrian police continue to work together.
