58-year-old man Gustavo Guzman has been extradited back to the United States subject to an arrest warrant following his apprehension in Healesville by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team.
Mr Guzman, who was known as ‘Gio’ in the community, was out and about in Healesville prior to his arrest, even taking on the role of Musical Director in the local Healesville Community Choir. He led singing practice at Queens Park during lockdowns in 2020 and helped promote a pop-up Healesville music event in late 2021.
The US national was arrested earlier this year after a long-term investigation focusing on arresting him to face fraud-related charges in his home country.
It is believed he had been hiding in Australia since 2017 using a false identification and names to avoid detection by authorities. His last known location to the AFP before his arrest was in Baulkham Hills in Sydney’s northwest.
The AFP sought the assistance of the Australian public back in June 2021 to help locate the man. Following reports, the man was located and arrested and was remanded in custody while his extradition proceedings were finalised.
Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the dedicated fugitive strike team works with domestic and international law enforcement partners to help arrest and extradite alleged offenders.
“The arrest highlights the excellent relationship between the US and Australian law enforcement and legal agencies and demonstrates the continued value of the bilateral Extradition Treaty between the US and Australia in bringing people to account for their alleged criminal actions,” he said.
“Australia is no safe haven for criminals. The AFP and its partner agencies across the globe are relentless in ensuring those wanted for crimes face justice.”
The Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team – FAST – target offenders who are the subject of arrest warrants for murder, manslaughter, drug trafficking, money laundering and serious fraud.
The AFP and US authorities worked closely with the Australian Attorney‑General’s Department throughout the extradition process.
