Diplomatic Security Captures Greek Fugitive Wanted for Kidnapping and Murder

State Department Special Agents Arrest Dimitrios Skaftouros

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) played a key role in investigating and coordinating the arrest of Dimitrios Skaftouros on May 29 in New York City. Dimitrios is in custody in New York awaiting extradition to Greece for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a young boy in 1990.

Skaftouros’ arrest was the result of a several month’s long intergovernmental and interagency effort spearheaded by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s New York Field Office. The investigation resulted in the positive identification of Skaftouros even as he used fraudulent Greek documents to conceal his identity. Skaftouros’ arrest ends his 18-year flight from justice.

Christopher J. Paul, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s New York Field Office, stated, “It’s this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to arrest fugitives like Skaftouros. His apprehension highlights the critical role DS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide.”

This arrest is indicative of the domestic law enforcement work that DS’ eight U.S. field offices undertake everyday.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. In 2007, DS participated in 1,955 arrests globally, primarily for passport and visa fraud, including 406 arrests overseas in cooperation with foreign police. Read more in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa and Passport Security Strategic Plan at: http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rpt/79895.htm. Additional information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds.

Contact: 
Darby G. Holladay
571-345-2507
Holladaydg@state.gov