Suriname has expelled five fugitives believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies in neighboring French Guiana, including a high-profile incident involving the robbery and hostage-taking of Deputy Mayor Bernard Sellier. According to the Public Prosecution Service in Suriname, these individuals are linked to multiple armed robbery cases, with the most recent incident taking place on October 13.
Following the robbery, the suspects fled across the border river into Suriname to evade capture. Despite the seriousness of the crimes, the identities and genders of the fugitives have not been made public.
Authorities in Suriname, in collaboration with French law enforcement, arrested the suspects on Tuesday evening. The Public Prosecution Service stated that the French nationals were immediately deported, emphasizing that Suriname does not provide shelter to criminals.
Additionally, last week, seven Brazilian fugitives connected to an international criminal organization were also deported after hiding out in Suriname for several months.
The swift action taken by Suriname reflects a commitment to regional cooperation in addressing crime and ensuring safety across borders. The case highlights ongoing challenges related to cross-border criminal activity in the area.
