French law enforcement officials have captured Nizar Feddaoui, a prominent figure in Corsican organized crime, ending a nearly two-month manhunt that began when the suspect escaped during a police transfer in August. The 36-year-old was apprehended in Nice on Tuesday, according to Nicolas Septe, the public prosecutor of Ajaccio, who confirmed the arrest on Wednesday.

Feddaoui's initial arrest occurred on August 8th in Nice as part of a drug trafficking investigation led by an examining magistrate from the Ajaccio judicial court. While in police custody, the suspect managed to escape during his transfer to a Nice hospital, prompting an expanded investigation that included charges related to the escape itself. The incident raised questions about security protocols during prisoner transfers.

The suspect has a significant criminal history, having previously been sentenced to 15 years in prison. In a notable 2016 case, Feddaoui was acquitted by the Bouches-du-Rhône assize court for the assassination of former Corsican nationalist leader Yves Manunta, who was killed in Ajaccio in July 2012. However, he received the 15-year sentence for other criminal association charges stemming from the same proceedings.

Following his escape, Feddaoui had been placed under judicial control in November 2024 after being charged with drug trafficking. His recapture in Nice marks the conclusion of an intensive search operation that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The case highlights ongoing challenges French authorities face in dealing with organized crime networks operating in Corsica and southern France.