A Dutch national of Eritrean descent has been arrested in Kenya and extradited to Netherlands over link to human trafficking between Africa and Europe through Asia.
According to Directorate of Criminal Investigations, 53-year-old John Habeta, was arrested in Kenya following a covert operation by detectives, after an Interpol Red Notice alert was issued against him.
“In a well-coordinated operation between authorities in Netherlands and our detectives based at the fugitives and wanted persons division at the regional Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), the suspect was arrested in Nairobi where he had been hiding for an unspecified period,” DCI said in a statement.
Habeta is suspected to be the mastermind of human trafficking that operates in the underworld, responsible for the trafficking of human beings from Africa to Europe.
The Dutch national is accused of being behind at least four groups that facilitated the transit of Eritrean nationals into Europe through Asia.
“Immediately after his arrest, he was extradited to the Netherlands on orders from the Ministry of Interior, after the cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, declared his presence in the country as contrary to our national interest,” DCI added.
The Dutch national will remain in custody in The Netherlands, where he will face trial.
“The Interpol National Central Bureau based at our headquarters is putting such criminals on notice, that Kenya is not a safe haven for international fugitives,” DCI said.
