A man who is suspected of raping a child in France has been arrested in Liverpool by the National Crime Agency.

Sri Lankan national Sujanth Ketheeswararasa, 30, was detained by specialist officers from the agency’s National Extradition Unit in Liverpool city centre, on Wednesday (19 November).

Ketheeswararasa is wanted by the French authorities for the alleged rape of a young girl.

He appeared at court in London on Thursday for extradition proceedings to begin and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear by video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 27 November, and a full extradition hearing is listed for 26 March next year.

Clare Meehan from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre said: “There is no greater priority for the NCA than protecting children from sexual abuse.

“Working with partners at home and abroad we traced and located the suspect and executed his arrest. He remains in custody as extradition proceedings commence.”

22 November 2025