The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Aimee Betro, a US citizen from Wisconsin, with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to murder, in connection with an attempted shooting in Birmingham.

The charges stem from an alleged plot to murder the owner of a Birmingham clothing store and his family on 8 September 2019. Ms. Betro, who was extradited from Armenia to the UK, also faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent and knowingly evading a prohibition on the importation of ammunition.

Charges Against Ms. Betro

• Conspiracy to Murder: Ms. Betro, alongside two co-defendants, Mohammed Nazir and Mohammed Aslam, is accused of conspiring to murder the victim and his family between 21 August 2019 and 10 September 2019.
• Possession of a Firearm with Intent: On 8 September 2019, she is alleged to have been in possession of a firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence.
• Fraudulent Importation of Ammunition: She is accused of involvement in the illegal importation of ammunition between 12 September 2019 and 23 October 2019.

International Collaboration

Ben Samples, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS in West Midlands, stated, “CPS West Midlands has worked closely with West Midlands Police, Derbyshire Police, the Armenian authorities, and our Extradition Unit to bring Ms. Betro to the UK to face charges.”

An international arrest warrant was issued for Ms. Betro on 18 June 2024, leading to her detention by Armenian authorities on 2 July 2024. She first appeared in an Armenian court on 4 July 2024 before her extradition to the UK.

Legal Proceedings

Ms. Betro is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 January. The CPS has reminded the public of her right to a fair trial and has urged against any reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.

Context

The case highlights ongoing international efforts to prosecute serious crimes and ensure suspects face justice. The CPS emphasises that their decision to charge is based on evidence that may be presented in court, without presumption of guilt.

Further updates will follow as the legal proceedings continue.