A Dutch national of Eritrian descent believed to be operating an international human smuggling syndicate has been arrested.

The man identified as John Habeta, 53, was arrested following covert operation by (DCI) detectives and coordination efforts from the Netherlands authorities after INTERPOL issued a red notice alert for his arrest.

Habeta was arrested in Nairobi after years of evading justice while hiding in unknown places before being extradited to the Netherlands.

John Habeta. PHOTO/COURTESY

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The CS Interior Fred Matiang’i ordered Habeta’s extradition after the CS declared his presence in the country contrary to the national interests ok Kenya.

The suspect is linked to an international underworld human trafficking organization that operated between Africa and Europe.

Habeta has also been linked to at least four other different operations where groups of Eritrian nationals were smuggled into Europe via Asia.

He will remain in custody in The Netherlands, where he will face trial.

The INTERPOL National Central Bureau based at our headquarters has put such criminals as Habeta on notice that Kenya is not a safe haven for international fugitives.