Above: former TCI Premier Michael Misick
By Alexander Britell
Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick has been arrested at the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian Federal Police, according to the TCI Special Investigation and Prosecution Team.
Misick was arrested as the result of an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol (and a further warrant issued by the Brazilian Supreme Court) earlier this year. The warrant was part of a “red notice” issued by Interpol in March.
The arrest was confirmed by the SIPT.
Misick was implicated in large-scale corruption in Turks and Caicos that led to the suspension of democratic government by the United Kingdom.
He faces a number of “serious charges” relating to corruption and maladministration in TCI, according to a statement from the SIPT.
UK authorities said they were “grateful” to their Brazilian counterparts for their cooperation, and are now seeking Misick’s extradition to TCI.
Because Misick was born in a British Overseas Territory, he is currently receiving British consular assistance.