A United States citizen was handed over to American authorities at Panama’s Tocumen International Airport this week. The National Police confirmed the extradition, which stems from allegations of international child abduction.
Officers from Interpol Panama executed the transfer in close coordination with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The woman had been the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice issued by the United States. She was wanted for the alleged crime of kidnapping a minor and transporting the child across international borders.
The suspect was initially apprehended in a residential area of Panama City on December 9, 2023. The operation was conducted by the National Central Bureau of Interpol Panama in the Ernesto Córdoba Campos district. Authorities successfully rescued the child during the arrest, confirming the minor had been brought to Panamanian territory from the United States.
“The extradition was carried out effectively and passively in accordance with all legal protocols,” a statement from the National Police read. [Translated from Spanish]
Beyond the primary abduction charge, the police operation yielded additional discoveries. Officers seized two firearms with expired permits along with ammunition at the scene. This adds a further layer of legal complexity to the case now facing the extradited individual.
Legal Process and International Cooperation
This case highlights the mechanisms of international legal cooperation. The formal extradition process followed the suspect’s initial detention based on the global alert. Interpol’s system of color-coded notices, including the Red Notice used here, is a critical tool for locating fugitives worldwide. You can learn more about its function on the official Interpol website.
Panama’s role in this operation demonstrates its active participation in global security networks. The specialized interpol panam unit works on various transnational crimes. Their coordination with the FBI underscores a shared commitment to resolving cases that cross jurisdictions, particularly those involving vulnerable victims.
International parental child abduction is treated with extreme seriousness by governments. The U.S. Department of State provides specific resources and guidance on this issue for affected families. Details on the legal framework and recovery processes can be found through its page on International child abduction.
The suspect now faces prosecution in the United States. Her transfer concludes a multi-agency effort spanning several months. The rescued child has reportedly been returned to proper custodial care.