The suspected murderer of Andriy Portnov has been arrested in Germany: what is known
25 February 22:45
The Spanish National Police reported the arrest in Germany of a man suspected of murdering former Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Andriy Portnov. This was reported by euronews.com with reference to the Spanish Ministry of Internal Affairs, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the investigation, the detainee is the person who fired the fatal shots in May 2025 at the gates of a school in the municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcón near Madrid.
How the arrest took place
The operation was carried out in the German city of Heinsberg. It involved members of the 5th Homicide Investigation Group of the Madrid Police Headquarters in cooperation with the special unit of the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Spanish investigators spent several months locating the suspect, after which they tracked him down in Germany.
Circumstances of the murder
Andriy Portnov was shot dead on May 21, 2025, at the entrance to a prestigious school in the suburbs of Madrid. According to Spanish media reports, the attack occurred after the politician had dropped his children off at the school.
Portnov was 51 years old. He is known as an associate of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
What versions are being considered by the investigation
Spanish law enforcement agencies are considering several possible motives for the crime:
- personal vendetta;
- political subtext;
- other criminal versions.
In June 2025, it became known that Ukraine had joined the investigation. Ukraine is cooperating with Spanish law enforcement agencies within the framework of international legal assistance.
What’s next
After being detained in Germany, the suspect may be handed over to the Spanish side for further proceedings. The final decision will be made by the competent authorities in Germany in accordance with European extradition procedures.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies checking the possible involvement of other individuals in the organization of the crime.
