Woman accused of child sex offences in Lithuania found hiding in wardrobe during PSNI extradition arrest

A 23-year-old woman wanted in Lithuania to serve a prison sentence for serious sexual offences against a child was found hiding in a wardrobe after PSNI officers forced entry to a rural property in Co Tyrone.

The arrest happened in the Coalisland area on Wednesday morning as officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s International Policing Unit executed a Lithuanian extradition warrant.

Police said the woman is wanted in connection with offences committed in the Mazeikiai area of Lithuania and is now due to appear before Laganside Extradition Court on Thursday, June 4.

The operation highlights the growing role of PSNI in tracking down fugitives wanted across Europe, with officers working alongside international policing agencies including Interpol and Europol.

Woman detained on Lithuanian extradition warrant

According to police, officers forced entry to the property before locating the woman concealed inside a wardrobe.

The suspect was arrested and detained under a Lithuanian extradition warrant linked to serious child sexual offences.

PSNI confirmed she remains in custody ahead of her court appearance in Belfast tomorrow.

Sergeant Davey from the PSNI International Policing Unit said the arrest demonstrated the force’s determination to pursue individuals wanted for serious crimes abroad.

He said:

“Today’s arrest is another example of the Police Service of Northern Ireland working to locate, arrest and bring before the courts those who are wanted for serious offences in Europe.

“Despite this fugitives best efforts to hide and avoid the consequences of her actions she was today apprehended.

“Today’s arrest delivers on our assurance of the relentless pursuit of perpetrators and supporting victims.”

PSNI says international cooperation is increasing

Superintendent Marty Reid, Head of the PSNI Extradition Unit, said the force was increasingly involved in international investigations and cross-border policing operations.

He said:

“Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to tracking down fugitives and supporting our European Law Enforcement Partners.

“PSNI is increasingly engaged with the UK Joint International Crime Centre along with partners in Interpol and Europol to collectively deliver justice for both victims here in Northern Ireland and abroad.”

The case will now move through the extradition process at Laganside Extradition Court, where proceedings are scheduled to begin on Thursday.