Woman arrested in Co Antrim on Hungarian extradition warrant over fraud and money laundering charges

A 42-year-old woman wanted in Hungary to stand trial for fraud and money laundering has been arrested in Carrickfergus, as part of a wider international investigation into organised crime.

The arrest was carried out on Monday 20 April by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s International Policing Unit. The woman is sought by Hungarian authorities in connection with offences alleged to have taken place in 2024.

She was detained on a Hungarian extradition warrant and is due to appear before Laganside Extradition Court on Monday afternoon.

Arrest linked to cross-border organised crime investigation

Police confirmed the operation forms part of an ongoing Europe-wide investigation into an organised crime group involved in fraud and theft offences.

Sergeant Davey, from the PSNI’s International Policing Unit, said the arrest followed close collaboration with international partners.

“Today’s arrest was as a result of an ongoing investigation across Europe into an organised crime group involved in fraud and theft offences,” he said.

“In this case we have worked closely with investigators in Hungary and colleagues in the UK’s Joint International Crime Centre.”

Extradition proceedings now underway

The woman’s appearance at Laganside Extradition Court marks the next step in formal legal proceedings to determine whether she will be returned to Hungary to face trial.

Extradition cases typically involve judicial consideration of the warrant, the nature of the alleged offences, and whether legal thresholds for transfer between jurisdictions are met.

The PSNI confirmed that the arrest was made under the terms of a Hungarian-issued warrant, signalling that authorities in Hungary are seeking her return through established international legal channels.

Clear warning from police on fugitives using Northern Ireland

Police used the arrest to reinforce a wider message about international law enforcement cooperation and the risks facing individuals attempting to evade justice by crossing borders.

Sergeant Davey added:

“Our message is clear, Northern Ireland is not a safe haven for any wanted persons trying to avoid arrest and the consequences of their previous actions.

“PSNI will work with our law enforcement partners, we will arrest you and we will bring you before the courts.”

International cooperation central to operation

The involvement of the UK’s Joint International Crime Centre highlights the role of coordinated intelligence-sharing and operational support in tackling organised crime across jurisdictions.

Such partnerships enable police forces to track suspects, execute warrants, and progress extradition cases across national boundaries, particularly in cases involving financial crime and organised criminal networks.

The case remains ongoing, with further developments expected following the court appearance.

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At a glance

• 42-year-old woman arrested in Carrickfergus on Monday 20 April

• Wanted in Hungary to stand trial for fraud and money laundering offences

• Alleged offences took place in 2024

• Arrest made by PSNI International Policing Unit

• Detained on a Hungarian extradition warrant

• Due to appear before Laganside Extradition Court

• Case linked to wider European investigation into organised crime group

• PSNI worked with Hungarian authorities and UK’s Joint International Crime Centre

• Police warn Northern Ireland is “not a safe haven” for fugitives