Isla Bell Case: Murder Charge Withdrawn, Ganiev Now Faces Perverting Justice Trial

Marat Ganiev, 55, was charged with murdering 19-year-old Isla Bell, whose remains were found at a Melbourne tip in November 2024. The charge was downgraded to manslaughter, then withdrawn in May 2026 — a week before trial — for insufficient evidence. Ganiev was recharged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. On 24 July 2026, Victoria's Supreme Court rejected his bid to dismiss that charge, ruling prosecutors may file fresh indictments. The case returns in August.