SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Ukrainian national, Mykola Zhytnichenko, 41, faces a severe fate after ICE Buffalo apprehended him for the attempted murder of a police chief in Binghamton.
According to authorities, Zhytnichenko is accused of using an explosive device in his bid to assassinate the officer. He was also charged with narcotics possession and participation in organized crime.
The ICE Buffalo team, in coordination with the FBI Albany and U.S. Marshals Service, nabbed Zhytnichenko following a relentless manhunt. Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan praised their efforts, emphasizing that no fugitive will evade justice for heinous crimes abroad.
“Our actions send a clear message: The United States will not tolerate fugitives seeking to evade justice for their grave crimes,” said Agent Keegan.
Zhytnichenko entered the U.S. as a humanitarian parolee under President Biden in March 2023. He was soon wanted by Ukrainian authorities, who had issued an arrest warrant for his involvement in the attempted murder and drug offenses.
Upon his capture, Zhytnichenko was swiftly transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, where he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The agency urges the public to report suspicious activity through 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or an online tip form.
Key Facts
- Agency: HSI
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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