Wanted Lebanese man arrested at Nairobi hotel after US request

A Lebanese man who is wanted in the US was arrested on Thursday in a police operation at a Nairobi hotel.

Antoine Kassis Elias was arrested from Windsor Hotel hours after he had landed in the city.

He had arrived in Nairobi from Qatar on February 25 and checked to the hotel when police armed with warrants arrived.

Officials said there was a red notice on him from NCB Washington USA and an arrest warrant issued by the United States of America District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

A thorough search was conducted inside the said hotel room where two mobile phones, a purse with money and his travel documents were picked up.

He was detained ahead of planned arraignment for his extradition, police said.

This may take longer as he is likely to oppose the extradition. He told police he was visiting Kenya as a tourist.

Police say they are now collaborating with dozens of countries to help in arresting fugitives hiding in the country.

“If you commit a crime elsewhere, don’t expect to hide in Kenya. You will be taken back to where you belong,” declared a police officer involved in such operations.

The officer said they are increasingly deporting and repatriating suspects arrested in Kenya and wanted elsewhere.

Kenya has signed treaties with several countries to help in such operations.