Interpol arrest suspected paedophile after global appeal
Friday, 09 May 2008 08:27
Wayne Nelson Corliss was arrested after the international appeal
In Focus
It's difficult to tell from the grinning face of Manchester City's likely new owner that he's suffered quite a climbdown in the last year or so. Full Story
Interpol agents have arrested a suspected paedophile two days after releasing his picture on the internet appealing for public help.
Wayne Nelson Corliss, 58, is accused of sexually abusing young boys in south-east
Asia.
He has already appeared before a US court, just hours after being arrested in Union City, New Jersey.
Interpol made the arrest after three individuals identified Mr Corliss once his image was released to the general public on May 6th.
"Two days ago, this man's nationality, identity and location were totally unknown. All we had to go by were a series of graphic photographs in which the suspect was seen sexually abusing young children and our confidence that the public and police worldwide would once again respond to Interpol's call for assistance," said Interpol secretary general Ronald Noble.
"That two days later, the primary suspect is now in custody is an outstanding achievement and a credit to the citizens, media and law enforcement worldwide who responded to Interpol's call."
"The arrest made this morning by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Newark, of a highly sought child predator suspect, is an outstanding example of international law enforcement partnership to keep children safe both in our countries and around the world," homeland security assistant secretary for ICE, Julie L Myers, added.
"Their work and the incredible response from the public to Interpol's call for assistance made this arrest possible. All who value the safety and well-being of children should be heartened by this success."
The case is only the second time Interpol has appealed for public help in tracing a suspected paedophile.
Last October, the police organisation released images of 32-yesr-old Canadian teacher Christopher Neil after distorted pictures of his face were unscrambled.
Mr Neil was subsequently identified and arrested and is due to go on trial in Thailand in June.