A 51-year-old man wanted by Interpol for trafficking women and minors for prostitution in Romania was located and arrested by the Sheriff’s Office early Saturday morning.
Catalin Aionesei Lupu was turned over to U.S. Border Patrol agents at the residence where he was found illegally residing (squatting) on the 17000 block of Jamaica Lane on Sugarloaf Key.
The case began when Sheriff’s Office Capt. Donnie Catala was notified by a Realtor on Friday to check on the house due to suspicion of trespassers. Capt. Catala ordered Deputies under his command to conduct routine checks on the residence. Sgt. David Lariz went to the residence at 1 a.m. Saturday as per those orders. Sgt. Lariz found a back glass door ajar and could see food and water on a kitchen counter. Sgt. Lariz requested backup and U.S. Border Patrol K9 agents responded they were en route.
While Sgt. Lariz was awaiting backup, a man later identified as Lupu exited one of the bedrooms. Sgt. Lariz immediately identified himself as law enforcement and ordered Lupu to show his hands. Lupu complied and was placed into custody.
A 49-year-old male was found sleeping in another bedroom. That man was also detained once Border Patrol agents arrived. Identification cards were found for both men.
It was soon learned that Lupu was wanted by Romanian authorities and Interpol shortly thereafter. It was also learned Lupu was in this country illegally.
There were no women, minors or anyone else in the residence other than Lupu and the other man.
The other man was not arrested and was taken to the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter (KOTS) on Stock Island.
Lupu was turned over to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol given his status and the international warrant for his arrest.
Media: Questions about Lupu’s case out of Romania should be directed to federal law enforcement authorities. The above ended the Sheriff’s Office involvement in this case.
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