Russian murder suspect arrested in northern Cyprus

A 44-year-old Russian citizen, wanted internationally for the murder of 39-year-old Natalia Bozhuk, has been arrested in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus. Bozhuk, a model, stylist, and participant in the “Mrs. Russia – Universe” competition, went missing on July 17, 2026, in the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region. Her body was discovered on July 27, 2026, near the village of Romashkovo, with the search aided significantly by the victim’s dog, which was found near the crime scene.

The suspect, identified in reports as the victim’s partner and a financial trader, reportedly fled to Turkey from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport shortly after the killing. Russian authorities launched criminal proceedings under Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code, alleging that a personal dispute led to the fatal attack. The suspect attempted to conceal evidence of the crime before escaping the country.

Following an urgent request by the Moscow Region police through Interpol, Turkish authorities tracked the suspect’s movements to the northern part of Cyprus, where the arrest was carried out. Russian officials are currently coordinating the extradition of the suspect to Russia to face trial.