Ukraine Fugitive Nabbed in Syracuse: Cops Allege Attempted Murder

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A Ukrainian national wanted for allegedly trying to blow up a police chief has been arrested in Syracuse, New York. Mykola Zhytnichenko, 41, was taken into custody by a multi-agency task force including ICE Buffalo, the IRS’ Criminal Investigation division, the FBI Albany field office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The charges stemming from Ukraine paint a picture of a dangerous criminal who allegedly exploited U.S. humanitarian parole to evade justice.

According to authorities, Zhytnichenko is accused of attempting to murder a police unit chief using an explosive device. He also faces charges of narcotics possession, distribution of narcotics, racketeering, and participation in organized crime in his home country. Ukrainian authorities issued an arrest warrant in October 2023, but Zhytnichenko had already slipped into the United States months prior, arriving on March 21, 2023, as a humanitarian parolee under the Biden administration.

“This wasn’t some desperate refugee seeking asylum,” stated HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “This was a dangerous fugitive charged with attempted murder, narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Through close collaboration with both domestic and international partners, ICE Homeland Security Investigations was able to bring him to justice. Our actions send a clear message: The United States will not tolerate fugitives seeking to evade justice for their grave crimes abroad.”

ICE Buffalo’s Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to preventing abuse of the immigration system. “The arrest of Mykola Zhytnichenko, an illegal alien wanted for serious crimes, including attempted murder, shows that those who try to misuse parole programs to evade justice will be held accountable,” Marich said. “Foreign criminals cannot exploit U.S. immigration laws to escape prosecution in their home countries.”

Zhytnichenko was apprehended on February 6th in Binghamton, NY and has been transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility where he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The swift capture is being hailed as a win for interagency cooperation, demonstrating a coordinated effort to protect both national and international security. The case raises serious questions about vetting procedures for humanitarian parole applicants.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops. If you have information regarding criminal activity, authorities urge you to report it by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting a tip through the online form available on the ICE website.