International Manhunt Ends with Conviction: American ‘Hitwoman’ Aimee Betro Sentenced for Birmingham Shooting
A meticulous, years-long investigation culminating in an international extradition has resulted in the conviction of Aimee Betro, an American woman who travelled to the UK to carry out a targeted shooting in Birmingham. The case, involving complex digital forensics, cross-border collaboration, and a surprising link to a local drug operation, highlights the growing sophistication of criminal networks and the dedication required to bring perpetrators to justice.
the attempted murder unfolded in Birmingham, where Sikander ali, 33, was targeted in a brazen daylight attack.Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas of West Midlands Police revealed the initial hypothesis centered on retribution – a response to a perceived financial grievance related to clothing.However, the investigation quickly unveiled a far more intricate web of connections.
Betro, originally from Wisconsin, instantly fled the UK, initiating a protracted manhunt. It was a breakthrough collaboration with the Daily Mail that ultimately led to her location in Armenia. The newspaper, acting responsibly, shared the information with West Midlands Police and agreed to a news blackout to facilitate her arrest and subsequent extradition without alerting her to impending capture. DCI Orencas publicly acknowledged the Daily Mail’s crucial role, stating, “I would like to put it on formal record and thank the Daily Mail for the information that they kindly shared with us.”
From Targeted Hit to Drug Trafficking: Unraveling the Motives
The investigation didn’t stop with Betro’s capture. It revealed a startling parallel narrative: the victim, Sikander Ali, was a notable player in the West Midlands’ drug trade. Ali operated as a wholesale cocaine dealer, distributing at least 14kg of the drug - valued at approximately £500,000 - utilizing the encrypted communication network Encrochat. He even admitted to borrowing a .38 handgun through the same network, ostensibly for ”self-protection.”
Ali’s initial cooperation with police following the shooting was limited, refusing to sign his statement or provide testimony during the trial of those initially suspected of orchestrating the hit - Nazir and Aslam.He was ultimately arrested in January 2023 attempting to flee to Dubai from Birmingham Airport and sentenced to 13 years and six months imprisonment in August of the same year for conspiracy to supply cocaine and firearm offenses.A Complex Prosecution Built on International Cooperation
The prosecution of Aimee Betro, led by Specialist Prosecutor Hannah Sidaway OBE of the Crown prosecution Service (CPS) in the West Midlands, was a testament to painstaking investigative work.Sidaway emphasized the years of dedication required to pursue Betro across international borders. “Betro tried to kill a man in a Birmingham street at point-blank range. It is sheer luck that he managed to get away unscathed,” she stated following the verdicts.
The case relied heavily on compelling evidence, including:
CCTV Footage: Incriminating video evidence from the scene of the crime.
Digital Forensics: analysis of electronic devices and data.
Mobile Phone Data: Tracking and analysis of communication records. International Collaboration: Cooperation between West Midlands Police, Derbyshire Constabulary, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and authorities in Armenia.
“Only Betro knows what truly motivated her or what she sought to gain from becoming embroiled in a crime that meant she travelled hundreds of miles from Wisconsin to birmingham to execute an attack on a man she did not know,” Sidaway noted, highlighting the enduring mystery surrounding the true impetus for the attack. The jury ultimately concluded that the shooting was a pre-planned hit.
Ensuring Justice Across Borders
The extradition process itself was complex, requiring the coordinated efforts of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Armenian Courts. John Sheehan, head of the CPS Extradition unit, explained the meticulous planning involved. “We worked together to make sure we had a watertight prima facie case in order to lawfully arrest Aimee Betro in a foreign country without her becoming aware and possibly fleeing again.”
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the commitment of law enforcement and prosecution services to pursue criminals who attempt to evade justice, irrespective of geographical boundaries. As Sheehan concluded, “I hope these convictions send a clear message that we will actively work with our criminal justice partners domestically and internationally to pursue criminals who attempt to evade justice, and make sure that they are brought to a courtroom to be held accountable for their actions.”
Key Takeaways:
* International Crime: This case demonstrates the increasingly global nature of criminal activity and the need for
