A former U.S. soldier has been extradited from Ukraine after being charged in connection with an alleged international crime spree that included the 2018 killings and robbery of a couple in Florida. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 34-year-old Craig Austin Lang is facing federal indictments in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona stemming back to 2019. Lang, a U.S. citizen, denied the charges in his Florida court appearance.
Lang is accused of using a firearm during a deadly violent crime in Florida, violating the Neutrality Act, and conspiring to commit violence in Venezuela. The extradition was possible after Lang’s claim challenging the process was rejected by the European Court of Human Rights. Lang pleaded not guilty in the Florida case while facing charges in other states.
Lang’s alleged conduct is shocking in its scope and its callous disregard for human life, stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri. The case involves multiple charges across different states, reflecting a complex narrative of criminal activities.
The killings in Florida occurred in 2018 when Lang and another former U.S. Army soldier, Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer, allegedly murdered a couple during a planned weapons purchase. The two individuals had previously claimed to be part of a volunteer battalion in Ukraine and were deported back to the U.S. following detainment in Kenya.
The Justice Department’s investigation indicates that Lang had been involved in various criminal activities across borders, including attempting to acquire passports illegally and violating passport restrictions. Lang’s extradition from Ukraine opens a new chapter in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Zwiefelhofer, who was also convicted in connection with the Florida case, awaits sentencing. The complex web of events surrounding the allegedly orchestrated crime spree continues to unfold as Lang’s case progresses through the U.S. legal system.
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