A SPANIARD accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in the United States has been arrested in the Valencia area.
The Guardia Civil carried out an operation in collaboration with the FBI to locate and detain the 45-year-old suspect.
A series of inquiries led to the identification and discovery of the fugitive.
Crucial to the investigation were DNA samples taken from the man which were sent for analysis to the United States and used as evidence by FBI agents.
They yielded a positive match and verified the suspect who was arrested this month.
He faces three charges, namely predatory sexual assault against a minor; rape in the first degree and rape in the first degree under duress.
If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
The man was handed over to the custody of a Valencia court which has transferred him to the National Court in Madrid which handles extradition proceedings.
The Guardia Civil said in a statement that the Women-Minor Team (EMUME) of Valencia has been providing support since 2018 to the FBI’s International Cooperation Unit.
