British Man Detained in Ecuador Over Woman's Death in Colombia

A British man has been arrested in Ecuador after the body of a woman was found inside a suitcase in Colombia. Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, 46, from Bournemouth, Dorset, was held at Quito International Airport, BBC News reported. The Attorney General's Office in Colombia said he is suspected of beating 36-year-old Natalia Villalba to death in an apartment in Bogota on 18 June, placing her body in a suitcase, attempting to conceal the death and fleeing the scene.

Prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice was issued, authorities said. Bogota's mayor Carlos Fernando Galan stated that Dorset Police assisted with the operation to locate Foster-Smith. A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said the UK is supporting the detained British man and remains in touch with local authorities.

Foster-Smith was previously jailed for two years and two months for stalking offences committed in 2023. A stalking prevention order was issued for him in January by Poole Magistrates' Court, requiring him to maintain contact with police and restricting his use of electronic devices.