UAE

Life and Living

World

Opinion

Business

Sports

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Travel

Reviews

Brands

Supplements

KT Events

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Type your keywords

UAE: 3 suspects arrested in murder of Moldovan citizen

Zvi Kogan was reported missing by his family since Thursday, November 21

Read more...
Zvi Kogan. Photo: Reuters
by

Ajanta Paul

Published: Sun 24 Nov 2024, 9:36 PM

Last updated: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 1:20 AM

A Moldovan man who went missing in the UAE has been found murdered, and three suspects have been arrested, the Ministry of Interior confirmed on Sunday.

Zvi Kogan's family reported his disappearance on Thursday afternoon (November 21), and a search and investigation team was formed. The investigations led to the discovery of the missing person’s body and the identification of the perpetrators. The suspects were arrested, and legal proceedings have begun.

Advertising
Advertising

According to UAE authorities, the 28-year-old entered the Emirates using his Moldovan identification documents and was residing in Abu Dhabi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova identified Zvi Kogan as an Israeli-Moldovan. It said it "firmly [condemns] violence" and extended condolences to his family. "We remain in contact with authorities to support the investigation."

The UAE stressed that the country would spare no effort to keep its citizens, residents, and visitors safe. It also stated that it would use "all legal powers to respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability", reiterating its readiness to take all necessary steps to maintain harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denounced the killing of Zvi Kogan as a "heinous" act, adding that Israel would do everything it could to bring those responsible to justice.

The statement also added, "I greatly appreciate the cooperation with the UAE in the investigation of the murder. We will strengthen the ties between us precisely in the face of the attempts of the axis of evil to damage the peaceful relations between us. We will strengthen them, and we will also work to expand stability in the region."

Rimon Market kosher store, which was managed by Zvi Kogan. Photo: Reuters

Kogan was an emissary for the Chabad Hasidic movement in the UAE. Chabad is an orthodox Jewish group that has chapters worldwide and seeks to build links with non-affiliated and secular Jews or other sects of Judaism. According to its website, the group's branch in the UAE supports Jewish visitors and residents, providing religious and social services. At the time of publication, no statement had been issued by the group on Kogan's murder.

Earlier on Sunday, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, took to X to say that the UAE would "remain a land of safety, a haven of stability, a society of tolerance and coexistence..."

UAE ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba offered his condolences to Kogan's "family, friends and community over his senseless death".

He called the Rabbi's murder not just a crime in UAE, but a crime against the UAE. "It was an attack on our homeland, on our values and on our vision." The UAE welcomes everyone, said Otaiba, noting that it rejects extremism and fanaticism of every kind. "We are more determined than ever to protecting and sustaining the Emirates as a shining and enduring example of diversity, acceptance and peace.”

ALSO READ:

Ajanta Paul

Published: Sun 24 Nov 2024, 9:36 PM

Last updated: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 1:20 AM

Recommended for you