A breakthrough in an international manhunt occurred in Marrakech as local police apprehended a 31-year-old Swedish woman who was internationally wanted based on a warrant issued by the Swedish judiciary. The woman, whose identity has been withheld due to privacy laws, was arrested on 9th June and is suspected of kidnapping, forgery, and the use of forged documents.
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) had issued a red notice for the suspect, who stands accused of forging her husband’s signature on official documents and kidnapping their minor son. The child was under joint custody, leading Swedish authorities to issue an international warrant for her arrest.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated international effort, with Marrakech police acting on intelligence provided by Interpol and the Swedish police. According to sources, the suspect had been under surveillance since her arrival in the city.
“The suspect has been placed under custody for her referral to the public prosecution,” stated a Marrakech police spokesperson.
The National Central Bureau in Rabat, affiliated with the Directorate General of National Security, will be responsible for liaising with the Swedish authorities regarding the arrest and pending extradition proceedings. The intricacies of international law make such cases complex, and it may take time for the extradition to proceed. Meanwhile, the suspect will remain in Moroccan custody.
The Swedish embassy in Rabat has not yet issued a public statement concerning the arrest.
