Interpol agents in Costa Rica have arrested a 44-year-old Russian man wanted on an international Red Notice issued by Panama on suspicion of child abduction, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by the last name Komarov, was detained in a public area near the Uruca District of San José, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

Child abduction involves taking a child from their place of residence without consent from a parent or legal guardian, or withholding a child in violation of a judicial or administrative order. The offense differs from child trafficking because it does not involve exploitation or ransom demands, distinguishing it from kidnapping, officials said.

Panama’s Ministry of Justice issued the Red Notice after Komarov allegedly took a 16-year-old minor out of Panama without parental authorization on Nov. 1, triggering an international alert.

Investigators later determined that the Russian citizen had entered Costa Rica with the minor.

Costa Rican Interpol agents located the suspect following a surveillance operation and arrested him without incident.

  

Authorities did not release information about the victim, citing the ongoing investigation. Only immediate family members may request additional details.

Komarov was transferred to the Migration Apprehension Center in San José, where he remains in custody pending extradition proceedings.

His arrest is among several recent cases involving foreign nationals wanted abroad who have been detained in Costa Rica. In another Interpol operation, authorities recently detained an Italian citizen identified as Basile, 67, who was wanted on a Red Notice for homicide.

In a separate case, Costa Rica deported a Russian national identified only as Kimpaev, who was sought on fraud and money-laundering charges.

The OIJ urged the public to report individuals who may be subject to international Red Notices. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling the 10-digit line 800-8000-645 or the short line 1176. Bilingual agents are available in English and Spanish.

The OIJ, a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, handles criminal investigations and has nationwide police authority.

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