23/06/2006

Chef to be extradited from USA

A 38-year-old chef if to be extradited from the United States to face charges relating to a break-in at the Special Branch offices in Belfast in March 2002.

Larry Zaitschek, who now lives in New York, was working as a chef at Castlereagh buildings, when dozens of Special Branch files were stolen after an officer was overpowered by a gang which police later claimed belonged to the IRA.

Mr Zaitschek, will be charged with aggravated burglary, assault and imprisonment of a police officer, he also faces two counts of having information likely to be of use to terrorists.

He denies the charges.

Police said they have begun proceedings to seek Mr Zaitschek's extradition.

11-people have been arrested in connection with the Castlereagh inquiry, however so far this is the only charge to be brought forward in relation to it.

(EF/SP)

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