Extradited from Bulgaria: 77-year-old man returned to NI to face historic sexual offence charges

A 77-year-old man has been extradited from Bulgaria to Northern Ireland today (Thursday, 17 July 2025) to face multiple historic sexual offence charges dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

The individual is wanted in Northern Ireland to stand trial for a total of 18 alleged offences, including four counts of rape, one count of gross indecency with a child, 11 counts of indecent assault of a female, and two counts of inciting another to commit indecent assault.

The alleged offences were committed in the County Antrim area over a period spanning two decades.

The suspect was initially arrested in Bulgaria on 10 June 2025. Following the conclusion of extradition proceedings, he was successfully returned to Northern Ireland earlier today and is expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court later.

Speaking on the extradition, Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said:

“Today’s extradition demonstrates our continued and effective working with international partners to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice.

“In this case we worked closely with the National Crime Agency and authorities in Bulgaria to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect. Our message is clear to anyone who has left Northern Ireland to avoid arrest or the consequences of their actions. We will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and today’s extradition delivers on our assurance of the relentless pursuit of perpetrators and supporting victims.”

This latest development underscores the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s firm stance on holding alleged offenders accountable, regardless of time or borders, and its wider commitment to supporting survivors of sexual abuse.