Mon Feb 24 07:22:21 UTC 2025: ## France’s “Public Enemy Number One” Apprehended in Romania
**Paris, February 24, 2025** – Mohamed Amra, dubbed France’s “public enemy number one,” has been arrested in Bucharest, Romania, ending a nine-month manhunt following a daring prison escape. Amra, accused of gangland murders and drug trafficking, was apprehended near a shopping center on Saturday, February 22nd. His capture follows the arrest of ten suspected accomplices in France, accused of aiding his escape from a prison van last May, an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two prison officers and injuries to three others.
The arrest was made possible through a collaborative effort between French and Romanian authorities. Facial recognition technology and fingerprints confirmed Amra’s identity, despite his attempt to change his appearance by dyeing his hair. Romanian police located and apprehended Amra within 48 hours of receiving information from their French counterparts. Amra, who maintains his innocence, has agreed to be extradited to France within 30 days.
The brutal nature of the prison van ambush shocked France and prompted a large-scale investigation involving over 300 investigators. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced plans to improve prison conditions, establish dedicated prison police units, and construct a high-security prison modeled after Italian anti-mafia facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. This new supermax prison aims to isolate France’s 100 most dangerous drug traffickers.
The ten alleged accomplices were arrested in northwestern France and are suspected of aiding Amra’s escape and subsequent concealment. Weapons were seized during the raids. Lawyers for the families of the slain prison officers expressed relief at Amra’s arrest. The case highlights concerns about the ability of high-profile criminals to continue their operations from within prison.
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