Arrest Made in Cold Case: Aleksandr Levin Identified as Victim Found in IJ Waterway in 2013

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Arrest Made in Amsterdam Cold Case Murder: DNA Links Suspect to Decade-Old Crime

Amsterdam, November 7, 2023 – The Amsterdam police cold case team has made a major breakthrough in a decade-old murder case with the recent arrest of a 62-year-old man. The suspect’s DNA was discovered on the body of art dealer Aleksandr Levin, whose torso was found in the IJ waterway in 2013 but was only identified earlier this year.

The unexpected DNA match was found not only on the victim’s body but also on the plastic wrap that was used to conceal it. This evidence has led the police to believe that the arrested man, who lived near the dump site, is the killer.

Aleksandr Levin, a well-known art dealer specializing in icons, had a checkered past. Despite spending a considerable amount of time in Amsterdam, his reputation was tarnished. In fact, he had previously been convicted by a Dutch court for attempting to smuggle a stolen atlas worth €100,000. Additionally, he faced prosecution in Russia for his involvement in smuggling hundreds of stolen Russian icons, which were discovered hidden behind a secret door at his Saint Petersburg premises.

The motive behind Levin’s murder has been the subject of speculation. Theories range from robbery to an argument gone wrong, and even allegations of involvement by the Russian secret service. The arrest of the Russian national has sparked fear among neighbors, who described him as a quiet individual with reasonable Dutch language skills.

A spokesperson for the cold case team expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the investigation but emphasized the importance of potential witnesses coming forward to provide further clarity.

“This is a great breakthrough in our investigation,” the spokesperson stated. “But we can still use the help of witnesses to clear up the case completely.”

The Amsterdam police are urging anyone with information about the decade-old murder to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the case.

In conclusion, the arrest of the 62-year-old suspect has brought renewed hope to the Amsterdam police’s cold case team. The discovery of his DNA on the victim’s body and the plastic wrapping has provided a significant lead in the investigation. As the case unfolds, authorities are hopeful that witnesses will step forward, shedding more light on the motives behind Aleksandr Levin’s murder. The Amsterdam police remain committed to solving this chilling cold case and bringing justice to the victim and his family.

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