A French inmate, who became the center of an extensive international manhunt following a fatal escape nine months ago, was apprehended over the weekend in Romania, according to officials from the French government.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the arrest as a “formidable success” and expressed appreciation for European partners who collaborated in tracking down the fugitive. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau extended his gratitude to “all the forces that enabled the arrest of Mohamed Amra in Romania today” through a statement made on social media platform X.

According to Romanian authorities, Amra was captured during a police operation conducted in the capital city of Bucharest.

The incident that led to his escape resulted in the deaths of two prison guards. Armed accomplices aided Amra in breaking free while being transported in a convoy in Normandy last May, triggering a widespread search effort. Interpol subsequently issued a warrant for his capture.

Amra, aged 30, had previously been sentenced for burglary in the town of Évreux, Normandy. He was also subject to an investigation regarding a potential organized homicide attempt and a kidnapping that led to a fatality, as outlined by prosecutors. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that Amra is believed to have ties to organized crime groups in Marseille and is suspected of leading a drug trafficking operation.

His criminal activities reportedly began when he was quite young, spanning from ages 11 to 14. Amra, also known by the nickname “La Mouche” (The Fly), has been identified by various other monikers including “Yanis,” “Momo,” and “Schtroumpf” (Smurf).

The violent nature of Amra’s escape, coupled with his criminal background, has turned him into a symbol of the complexities and hurdles faced by French law enforcement in tackling organized crime and maintaining security for high-risk prisoners.