WV Fugitive Wanted on 10 Counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances Apprehended in Armenia and Extradited to the United States

Charleston, WV - The U.S. Marshals Southern District of West Virginia Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force announce the apprehension of a medical doctor wanted on a 10-count federal indictment accusing him unlawful distribution of controlled substances.

Dr. Alexander Vladimirovich Otellin, 57, of Russia, formerly of Charleston, was believed to have fled the United States to Russia in order avoid prosecution. Otellin possesses dual citizenship in the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia worked with INTERPOL Washington to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Otellin.

In September 2023, Otellin entered the country of Armenia. Otellin was taken into custody by Armenian authorities, after discovering that an Interpol Red Notice had been issued and that there was an active warrant for Otellin’s arrest. Armenian authorities arrested Otellin and detained him.

U.S. Marshals took custody of Otellin in Armenia and transported him back to the United States, arriving at the Yeager International Airport in Charleston April 20. He was taken to the South-Central Regional Jail where he is awaiting further court proceedings in U.S. District Court.

The U.S. Marshals Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia investigated. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Armenian authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Otellin.