Israeli criminal on the run for 18 years arrested in Mexico

Erez Akrishevski was convicted in 1998 of the attempted murder of a father and son but escaped in 2001

International police agency Interpol on Tuesday confirmed Erez Akrishevski, 57, one of Israel's most wanted criminals, had been arrested in Mexico. AP / Laurent Cipriani

One of the most wanted criminals in Israel's recent history has been captured in Mexico after eluding police for 18 years since fleeing on prison leave.

Erez Akrishevski, 57, was convicted in 1998 of the attempted murder of a father and son but managed to escape in 2001.

He was eventually arrested in Argentina in 2004 but again fled when he was released on bail.

"He is believed to have travelled throughout the Americas over the next decade, often to Mexico, and was allegedly connected to criminal activity and Israeli organised crime figures," Interpol said.

This year, Israeli and Mexican officials stepped up their efforts with the help of US Marshals, who tracked Akrishevski to Mexico.

Interpol did not say when or where he was caught, but Mexican press reports said he was detained this month in the state of Quintana Roo, home to the Yucatan resort town of Cancun.

Akrishevski has been returned to Israel to serve out the rest of his 18-year sentence, Interpol said.