Europol adds Russian national David Gazzaev to most wanted list

Europol has added Russian national David Gazzaev to its most wanted list following an attempted murder investigation in Cyprus. On 29 September 2025, Gazzaev allegedly shot a 42-year-old Ukrainian man in the abdomen at a luxury hotel in Limassol. According to Cypriot authorities, the confrontation stemmed from financial disputes and extortion threats. A second individual was also reported assaulted during the incident, which occurred after the suspect and victim met at a hotel cafe. After shooting the victim at close range, the suspect fled the scene on foot and was reportedly picked up by an accomplice vehicle, which police later discovered abandoned in Zygi. Cypriot police, acting on intelligence from Russian authorities, believe Gazzaev holds a senior position in an organized crime network known for extortion and robbery. He is identified by investigators as a 'Thief in Law', a term denoting a high-ranking organized crime figure from former Soviet territories. A court-issued arrest warrant remains in effect for the suspect, who was publicly identified by the Cyprus Police in September 2025.