Russia detains Azerbaijani man wanted over crimes

A St. Petersburg district court has ordered the detention of Yusif Naruddin Aliyev (also known as Ruslan Nuraddinovich Veliyev), who is wanted by Azerbaijani authorities over crimes allegedly committed in Baku in 1994–1995.

The court is expected to make a decide on his extradition, Caliber.Az reports, citing the city’s joint court press service.

It said the man was detained on June 9, 2026, near building 60 on Makarov Embankment.

Yusif Aliyev is accused of banditry, illegal deprivation of liberty, robbery, and illegal arms trafficking.

According to investigators, in August 1994, he allegedly took part in an armed group that kidnapped a man, held him illegally for three days, used physical violence and torture, and extorted $182,000 from his relatives. In addition, on February 22, 1995, he allegedly participated in an armed attack and kidnapping of another victim, who was held for four days while a ransom of $150,000 was demanded.

A preventive measure ordering detention was originally authorised by a judge in Baku’s Sabail District on May 1, 2004.

The court found that Yusif Aliyev had been staying in Russia without legal grounds, with no permanent registration, family, or employment, and had not applied for Russian citizenship, refugee status, or political asylum. No obstacles to his extradition to Azerbaijan were identified.

The defendant opposed the arrest, stating that he had not been in hiding. He is set to remain in custody until July 18, 2026. He has no prior criminal record in Russia.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov