Suspect in 2013 killing extradited to Azerbaijan after 13 years on the run

A man accused of orchestrating the 2013 killing of a foreign national has been extradited to Azerbaijan more than a decade after he was first placed on an international wanted list, the Ministry of Justice told Report.

The suspect, identified by the Justice Ministry as Ali-zada Hayal Mazahir oghlu, was handed over by the United Arab Emirates on April 10 following years of coordination between law enforcement agencies and the National Central Bureau of Interpol.

He is accused of organizing the premeditated murder of foreign citizen Vusal Schilder in 2013, allegedly carried out by a group acting in prior conspiracy and motivated by financial gain, according to investigators.

Authorities say the fatal attack was executed by an accomplice, Elman Isgandarov, who stabbed the victim, causing injuries that proved fatal.

The suspect's location was eventually traced to the UAE, where he was detained as part of international cooperation efforts. Azerbaijan formally submitted an extradition request in 2023, and following approval by Emirati authorities, the transfer was carried out this week.

He is now held in the pre-trial detention ward.