TORONTO — Geneva police have apprehended accused of being Canada’s “most notorious bank robber” in an undercover operation in the city’s downtown core.
French-American Jeffrey James Shuman, 53, was wanted on a Canadian international arrest warrant in connection with more than 20 bank robberies during the past five years.
Shuman is accused of robbing 12 banks in York Region, four in Calgary, two in Peel Region and one each in Hamilton, Ottawa and Toronto since February 2010.
In June of last year, the Canadian Bankers Association increased its reward for information related to apprehension of Shuman up to $100,000 from $50,000.
READ MORE: Canadian Bankers Association ups reward for info on ‘Vaulter Bandit’
Jean Philippe Brandt, spokesman for Geneva police, told Global News Wednesday the arrest was made on Tuesday after police received a tip that the suspect would be in Geneva.
He added that the 53-year-old suspect was apprehended by plainclothes police officers while driving on a downtown Geneva street.
“He is now in jail in Geneva and we are just waiting concerning the extradition.”
Brandt added that the federal justice office would be taking over the investigation with regard to the possibility of the suspect’s extradition to Canada.
“So if he agrees to be extradited as soon as possible it’s his choice but he can also choose the normal extradition which is a bit longer.”
READ MORE: Tracing the path of notorious bank robber ‘The Vaulter’
York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe said authorities in Geneva will be working closely with the Ministry of the Attorney General to determine the next steps necessary for a possible extradition.
“We are very pleased that Canada’s most notorious bank robber is finally in custody,” said Jolliffe.
“We credit the professionalism and hard work of our investigators and those in the partner agencies and we thank the authorities in Europe for their cooperation and diligence which led to his capture.”
WATCH: York Regional Police video detailing the investigation into the “The Vaulter” bank robbery suspect
With files from David Shum
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