A United States fugitive wanted for the alleged rape and sexual assault of his minor daughter has been arrested in Gqeberha, South Africa, following an international operation led by INTERPOL South Africa and local law enforcement agencies.

The 56-year-old American citizen was arrested on Wednesday at his home in Kabega Park, Gqeberha, after authorities traced him to the Eastern Cape several years after he allegedly fled the United States.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the man is wanted by INTERPOL on charges linked to the alleged sexual abuse of his daughter, who was reportedly 12 years old at the time of the incidents.

Police said the case was initially reported to the San Antonio Police Department in Texas in 2017 by the victim’s mother. Investigators allege that the suspect repeatedly raped his daughter and exchanged explicit text messages with her over a period of time.

Following investigations in the United States, the suspect allegedly fled the country before he could be arrested. Authorities later discovered that he had relocated to South Africa, where he had been living in the Eastern Cape.

In a statement issued on Thursday, SAPS confirmed that the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria successfully traced the suspect and coordinated his arrest with several specialised police units.

“The suspect was traced and arrested through the execution of a Section 5(1)(b) warrant after South Africa received an extradition request from the United States of America,” SAPS said.

The arrest operation was carried out with support from the Nelson Mandela Bay District Intervention Task Team, the Crime Combating Unit and Mount Road Crime Intelligence.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where extradition proceedings are expected to begin. The United States government is seeking his extradition to face charges in America.

The case highlights growing international cooperation between South African authorities and global law enforcement agencies in tracking fugitives accused of serious crimes against children.

INTERPOL plays a key role in helping countries locate and arrest suspects who cross international borders to evade prosecution. South Africa’s INTERPOL office has, in recent years, assisted in several high-profile extradition cases involving fraud, murder, cybercrime and crimes against children.

Child protection organisations have repeatedly warned that sexual abuse cases involving minors often leave lasting emotional and psychological trauma on victims. Advocacy groups continue to call for stronger international collaboration to ensure suspects cannot escape justice by relocating to other countries.

The arrest also comes amid increased global efforts to combat crimes against children, particularly cases involving online communication and exploitation.

SAPS has not disclosed how long the suspect had been living in South Africa or whether he had attempted to conceal his identity while residing in Gqeberha.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said investigations and legal processes surrounding the extradition application are continuing.

The suspect remains in custody pending his court appearance.