A British ‘killer-for-hire’ who used the alias ‘Batman’ has been arrested over the suspected gang hit on a Serbian man in Cambodia.
The suspect, who Cambodian authorities said went by several names including James Spader, was detained yesterday in Phnom Penh over the alleged murder of Strahinja Dackovic, 37, outside an upmarket apartment block on Christmas Eve.
CCTV footage shows the moment Dackovic walked up to a white car parked outside the apartment block, and opened the door, only to be blasted from near point-blank range by the killer sat inside.
Dackovic stumbled to the floor and scrambled on all fours in the road while the car sped off. He later died at the scene.
Cops who arrested the suspect yesterday seized from him a black Ruger pistol, a folding knife and seven bullets. A lighter, cigarette papers, tablets and small quantities of marijuana were also found in his pockets.
Pictures from the police interview showed the suspect, 31, with a distinctive spider tattoo on his neck and a wispy moustache
It is unclear why Dackovic was killed, though photos from his social media accounts show Dackovic posing with firearms or showing off large wads of cash
Grainy CCTV footage captured the moment Dackovic was shot from inside this white SUV at near point blank range. The Serb stumbled to his knees and crawled away as the car sped off
Pictures from the police interview showed the suspect, 31, with a distinctive spider tattoo on his neck and a wispy moustache, dressed in slim black jeans and a maroon checked shirt.
Officers who arrested the suspect found he was carrying a Ruger pistol, seven rounds and a folding knife
Officers are unsure of his real identity as he is said to have gone by the alias ‘Batman’ while working as a hired gunman in the crime-ridden Cambodian capital.
They said the suspect also had a suite of identities he could use to remain anonymous, including Joseph Swartz, Jason Vernazza, Alan Bradly Wilson and James Spader.
A statement from the Commissariat of Phnom Penh Municipal Police said: ‘On February 15, at 7:30 pm, the Phnom Penh Police Commission and special agents, followed the investigation to arrest a suspect related to the shooting murder at the front point of The Peak apartment building on December 24.
‘The suspect uses the names Joseph Swartz, Jason Vernazza, Alan Bradly Wilson and James Spader. He is a 31-year-old English male, with an occupation unknown.
‘Presenting the suspect and evidence above, the police force is building a case to be sent to the prosecutors in Phnom Penh to proceed with the prosecution.’
Dackovic died at the scene shortly after being blasted by the suspect from inside a car
Investigators review the crime scene following Dackovic’s murder
Police officers in Cambodia take a photo during an interview with a suspected British assassin
Police investigating the case said they were hampered by the aliases used by the suspect. They said he was known in the city’s criminal circles as ‘Batman’ because of his tattoos and dark clothes.
An investigator involved with the case said today: ‘The shooting was connected to gangs. We found clues leading to a hitman called Batman. It took a long time before we could find him. We still do not know his real name. He is not cooperating.’
Serbian media meanwhile reported that the victim was from the town of Brus in southern Serbia, but has been living in Cambodia for at least eight years.
It is unclear why he was killed, though photos from his social media accounts show Dackovic posing with firearms or showing off large wads of cash.
General Sor Thet, Deputy Commissioner of National Police and Phnom Penh Police Commissioner, said in a statement: ‘On February 15, the Phnom Penh Police cooperated with the Khan Chamkar Mon police station to investigate a suspect related to a shooting in front of The Peak building in Phnom Penh.
‘The Office of Special Forces is building a case to send to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for legal proceedings.’