Fugitive sentenced to eight years in Norway arrested in Budapest – VIDEO

A Norwegian citizen who wanted to serve an eight-year prison sentence for drug trafficking has been arrested in Újpest, a district of Budapest, Hungarian police confirmed.

The man had fled Norway after his conviction and was the subject of an international arrest warrant, the official Hungarian police site said.

How extradition between Hungary and Norway works

• Norway issues an international arrest warrant after a court decision.
• Hungarian police arrest the person if they are found in Hungary.
• Norway formally asks for extradition, providing the court ruling.
• A Hungarian court reviews the request to ensure it complies with legal and human rights standards.
• The suspect is handed over to Norway to serve the prison sentence.

Who was arrested in Budapest’s 4th district?

The suspect is a 28-year-old Norwegian national of Jordanian origin. He was convicted in 2024 in Norway in a drug trafficking case and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Following the verdict, the man left Norway instead of beginning his prison term, prompting authorities to launch an international search.

Why was he wanted by Norwegian authorities?

Norwegian authorities were seeking the man to ensure he served his legally imposed prison sentence. After he absconded, an international warrant was issued, allowing law enforcement agencies across Europe to search for him.

In late December, information emerged suggesting the fugitive may be staying in Hungary.

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How was the fugitive caught in Hungary?

The arrest was carried out through international police cooperation involving Hungary’s National Bureau of Investigation (KR NNI) and the Oslo Police Department, specifically units dealing with organised and economic crime.

The man was arrested in Budapest on January 7, following targeted investigative work.

Where is the suspect now?

The fugitive is currently being held in Hungary. He remains in custody pending extradition proceedings, which will determine when he can be transferred back to Norway.

What happens next in the extradition process?

Norway has requested the man’s extradition, which would allow him to be returned to Norway to begin serving his eight-year prison sentence. Until the extradition decision is finalized, Hungarian authorities will continue to detain him.

The arrest highlights the effectiveness of cross-border law enforcement cooperation in Europe. It also demonstrates that convicted criminals cannot avoid prison by fleeing abroad, even when moving between EU and non-EU countries such as Norway.

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