In this episode of Fugitive Files, we track Izmir Ali Koch — a convicted hate criminal who vanished before serving a single day behind bars. Sentenced to 30 months for a brutal, anti-Semitic attack outside a Cincinnati restaurant in 2017, Koch was also found guilty of lying to the FBI. But when the time came to report to prison, he disappeared.

According to the Department of Justice, Koch has deep ties to both Russia and Turkey — and he may have had help. His brother, Baris Koch, now faces federal charges for allegedly handing over a passport and misleading investigators to aid in the escape. With an FBI Most Wanted poster, an outstanding indictment, and a reward on the table, the manhunt is far from over.

A hate crime, a cover-up, and an international flight from justice — this is the story of Izmir Koch.

This is Fugitive Files. Let’s get into it.