Denis Alimov, also known by several aliases including Denis Nazarovich Alimov and Denis Nevsky, was arrested on February 24, 2026, in Bogotá, Colombia. The arrest was based on an Interpol Red Notice connected to charges filed in the Southern District of New York. U.S. authorities intend to seek his extradition from Colombia.
Alimov is accused of participating in a plot to murder or kidnap two well-known dissidents living abroad. According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, “As alleged, Denis Alimov and his co-conspirators tried to murder or kidnap two well-known dissidents, with Alimov offering a co-conspirator $1.5 million for each victim. This chilling attempt shows not only the lengths malign actors will go to silence critics, but also, the resolve, expertise, and ability of American law enforcement and our partners abroad to disrupt those plots and bring those responsible to justice.”
Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence & Espionage Division stated: “Alimov has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a plot to locate, kidnap, and murder political dissidents who dared to speak out against their authoritarian regime. Transnational repression poses a serious and growing threat to individual rights and freedoms, and the FBI is committed to investigating all plots involving U.S.-based criminal actors or victims. Today’s announcement makes clear that combating this threat is among our highest priorities, and we will work with our partners at home and abroad to find and hold accountable those who use threats and violence to silence dissent.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle added: “Denis Alimov allegedly plotted with others to kidnap or murder two foreign dissidents and offered a co-conspirator a bounty for his help carrying out that plot. The FBI will continue to prevent hired guns from prowling the globe to carry out the nefarious agenda of others, no matter where they are.”
The investigation found that between October 2024 and March 2025, Alimov coordinated with others—including an alleged co-conspirator named Darko Durovic—to target two dissidents from a republic in a foreign country who had previously faced reprisal attempts. In October 2024, Alimov met Durovic near the headquarters of a foreign country’s internal security service; he paid Durovic about $60,000 for operational expenses and promised $1.5 million per victim for successful kidnapping or murder.
After this meeting, Alimov maintained contact with Durovic about planning details—providing information such as IP addresses and phone numbers related to one target. Durovic researched weapons while preparing travel plans within Europe aimed at locating both targets; he also recruited another person into the scheme who discussed financing efforts described as forming a “hunting team.”
Alimov faces several charges: conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping in a foreign country (maximum life sentence), conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists (up to 15 years), provision or attempted provision of material support (up to 15 years), conspiracy to finance terrorism (up to 20 years), and financing terrorism (up to 20 years). Sentencing will be determined by a judge if there is a conviction.
Jay Clayton acknowledged contributions from multiple agencies including various divisions of the FBI as well as U.S., Colombian law enforcement partners, Department of Justice sections involved in counterterrorism efforts, international affairs offices based in Bogotá, judicial attachés at the U.S Embassy in Colombia.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley and Kaylan E. Lasky along with Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe from the Counterterrorism Section.
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