UK Man Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith Arrested in Ecuador After Colombian Woman Found Dead in Suitcase
A British man, Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, has been arrested in Ecuador over the alleged killing of 36-year-old Natalia Villalba in Bogotá, Colombia. Authorities claim he concealed her body in a suitcase before fleeing the country. The arrest followed an Interpol Red Notice and international cooperation involving Colombian prosecutors, Ecuadorian authorities and Dorset Police. Investigations are ongoing.
A British man has been arrested at Quito International Airport in Ecuador in connection with the death of a Colombian woman whose body was allegedly found inside a suitcase in Bogotá. Colombian authorities said Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, 46, from Bournemouth, is suspected of killing 36-year-old Natalia Villalba at an apartment in Bogotá’s Chico neighbourhood on June 18 before fleeing the country.
The arrest came after Colombian prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant and secured an Interpol Red Notice. Authorities in Ecuador, Colombia and the United Kingdom coordinated the operation, with Dorset Police assisting in locating the suspect, officials said. Australian Man Simon Carman Arrested in Thailand After Teen’s Body Found in Suitcase (Watch Video).
UK Man Arrested in Ecuador After Colombian Woman Found Dead in Suitcase
Before his arrest, Foster-Smith reportedly contacted The Sun newspaper, denying any involvement in the woman's death. According to the newspaper, he said: “I was watching England versus Croatia on a big screen in an Irish bar so it wasn’t me.
“After the match I went into the shopping centre, I mooched about, bought an ice cream, and came back later for the later games.” England’s World Cup match against Croatia took place on June 17. Samaira Nazir Honour Killing: London Graduate Stabbed to Death by Brother for Loving ‘Wrong’ Man As Mother Watches On.
The Sun also reported that Foster-Smith made a second call to its newsdesk on Friday, before his arrest. A source quoted by the newspaper said authorities were able to locate him through the phone calls. The report added that investigators believed he was attempting to purchase a flight to Europe.
In a statement posted on its official social media account, Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office alleged that Foster-Smith beat Villalba to death before placing her body inside a suitcase in an attempt to conceal the crime and then fled the scene. Authorities emphasized that these are allegations forming part of the criminal investigation, which will proceed through the judicial process.
Officials said Foster-Smith was detained at Quito International Airport in Ecuador following cooperation between Colombian prosecutors, Ecuadorian authorities and UK law enforcement.
Dorset Police were among the agencies that assisted in locating the suspect after Colombian authorities issued an arrest warrant and obtained an Interpol Red Notice. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed the international cooperation and praised the efforts of the agencies involved. He said: “This painful case will not go unpunished.”
UK Government Responds
A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed British consular assistance is being provided. “We are supporting a British man who has been detained in Ecuador and are in touch with the local authorities.”
Colombian authorities are continuing their investigation into Villalba's death. Foster-Smith remains in custody in Ecuador as legal proceedings regarding the case continue. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
