INTERPOL fugitive arrested at Miami airport

An international fugitive wanted by INTERPOL for alleged rape and sexual offences has been arrested at Miami International Airport following an INTERPOL-assisted international police operation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers said they intercepted Amorio Liggori RODRIGUES on 18 March as he attempted to transit through the U.S. en route home to Canada.

Wanted by France for rape and sexual offences against children, the 54-year-old Canadian fugitive was vacationing in the Caribbean when local police recognized him. Close police liaison between the INTERPOL National central Bureaus (NCBs) in Barbados, Washington and Paris ensured that U.S. authorities were notified of the fugitive’s movements and that he was arrested as soon as he set foot in Miami.

The arrest is an excellent example of multi-lateral police co-operation in which the world’s largest international police organization worked together with its NCBs and the national police agencies of member countries to bring a dangerous fugitive to justice.

The case demonstrates the effectiveness of international police co-operation between INTERPOL and the work of dedicated law enforcement officers in the U.S. and Barbados in identifying, locating and apprehending a dangerous fugitive. It is a clear warning to sexual predators wanted by INTERPOL member countries that no effort will be spared in bringing them to justice.

RODRIGUES is being held in Miami, pending extradition to France where he faces criminal charges and up to 20 years in prison for rape, sexual offences, crimes against children and attempted rape.