Ukrainian banker wanted by Interpol since 2025 detained in Norway

A 45-year-old Ukrainian bank executive who had been on an international wanted list since September 2025 has been detained in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand.

The Norwegian outlet VG reported the news.

The detention took place right at the dock — after the man arrived on a ferry from Denmark and went through a document check.

“He confirmed his identity by providing his name and photograph. He was detained on the basis of an international Interpol wanted notice. The Ukrainian authorities are now being informed of the detention,” said Agder Police District spokesperson Hellek Rue.

Following the detention, the Ukrainian was remanded in custody by order of the Agder District Court. According to court documents, the man is suspected of systematic economic crime and misappropriation of bank clients’ funds. Investigators believe he used his position at the financial institution to illegally access accounts and take out loans in the names of third parties.

The case dates back to July 2021, when the man was working as the head of a bank branch in a small Ukrainian town. That day he left for work but never came home and stopped responding to calls. His car was later found in another city, after which the banker was reported missing.

Nine days later, police found him at a hotel in another region of the country. According to investigators, the man explained his disappearance by citing personal problems, and subsequently left Ukrainian territory.

Shortly after his departure, local residents began accusing the banker of fraud involving loans and bank accounts. The bank itself reported at the time that an internal review was underway. According to court records, Ukrainian law enforcement lost track of the suspect after he left the country in 2021.