A man wanted by French authorities for allegedly raping a child has been arrested in Liverpool, marking a significant development in an international criminal investigation that has spanned borders and demanded close cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The suspect, Sujanth Ketheeswararasa, a 30-year-old Sri Lankan national, was detained by officers from the National Crime Agency's (NCA) National Extradition Unit on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
According to multiple reports, including those from BBC News and The Sun, Ketheeswararasa had been sought by French authorities in connection with the alleged rape of a young girl in France. The case, which has drawn considerable attention both in the UK and France, underscores the high stakes and complexities involved in cross-border criminal investigations—especially those involving serious offences against children.
After his arrest, Ketheeswararasa was swiftly transported to London, where he appeared in court the following day, Thursday, November 20, 2025. During this initial hearing, extradition proceedings formally began. The court remanded him in custody, reflecting the gravity of the allegations and the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.
Looking ahead, Ketheeswararasa is scheduled to appear via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This procedural step is part of the ongoing judicial process as the UK authorities work through the legal requirements associated with extradition. The full extradition hearing, where the merits of the French authorities' request will be considered in depth, is set for March 26, 2026.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between British and French law enforcement, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in tackling crimes that cross national borders. Clare Meehan, from the NCA's Joint International Crime Centre, spoke to the significance of the operation, stating, "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." Her comments, widely reported by Liverpool Echo and BirminghamLive, reflect the sense of urgency and commitment that law enforcement agencies bring to cases involving the protection of children.
The details of the case remain closely guarded, as is often the case in sensitive investigations involving alleged sexual offences against minors. However, the facts that have emerged paint a picture of a determined and methodical pursuit by authorities. The NCA’s National Extradition Unit, which specializes in locating and apprehending individuals wanted for serious crimes abroad, played a pivotal role in tracking down Ketheeswararasa. Their actions, supported by intelligence sharing and operational cooperation with French partners, ensured that the suspect was apprehended without incident.
The extradition process now underway is governed by established legal frameworks that balance the rights of the accused with the demands of justice and international cooperation. Extradition hearings in the UK typically involve careful consideration of the evidence presented by the requesting country—in this case, France—and an assessment of whether the legal criteria for surrender are met. The process can be lengthy, involving multiple hearings and opportunities for the defence to challenge the request on various grounds, including human rights concerns or questions about the fairness of the legal process in the requesting country.
Ketheeswararasa’s next appearance, set for November 27 via video link, will likely address procedural matters and ensure that all parties are prepared for the full hearing in March. The March 26, 2026 hearing will be the focal point of the extradition process, as the court will examine the evidence, hear arguments from both sides, and make a determination on whether to grant the French authorities’ request.
The case has also brought renewed attention to the broader issue of child protection and the challenges faced by law enforcement in pursuing suspects across international boundaries. As Clare Meehan emphasized, protecting children from sexual abuse remains the highest priority for agencies like the NCA. The agency’s ability to work seamlessly with counterparts abroad is seen as vital in ensuring that suspects cannot evade justice simply by crossing borders.
Historically, extradition cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse have been treated with particular urgency and sensitivity. The UK’s legal system, while robust in its protections for the rights of the accused, also recognizes the need for swift action when vulnerable victims are involved. The involvement of the NCA’s specialized units, as well as the close coordination with French authorities, reflects the seriousness with which both countries approach such cases.
The arrest in Liverpool is also a reminder of the cosmopolitan and interconnected nature of modern urban life. Liverpool, a city known for its vibrant culture and history, has in recent years become a hub for both domestic and international law enforcement activities. The city’s central location and transport links make it a strategic point for operations like the one that led to Ketheeswararasa’s detention.
For the communities affected, both in France and the UK, the case is a stark illustration of the impact that serious crime can have on individuals and families. While the legal process will take time to unfold, the hope among many is that justice will ultimately be served, and that the proceedings will bring some measure of closure to those affected by the alleged offence.
As the extradition process moves forward, observers will be watching closely to see how the courts balance the demands of justice, the rights of the accused, and the imperative to protect children from harm. The outcome of the March 2026 hearing will have significant implications—not only for Ketheeswararasa, but also for the broader efforts to ensure that those accused of serious crimes cannot escape accountability by crossing international borders.
In the meantime, the message from law enforcement is clear: the pursuit of justice in cases involving the most vulnerable members of society remains relentless, and international cooperation is more important than ever in bringing suspects to account.
