Former Olympic swimming coach George Gibney has been arrested in the United States based on an Irish extradition warrant, according to sources.
US Marshals apprehended Mr. Gibney, in his 70s, in Florida on Tuesday afternoon. He is currently in detention, awaiting a court appearance.
The arrest follows the 2020 BBC Second Captains podcast , which brought renewed attention to allegations of abuse against Gibney and led to new complainants coming forward.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of the arrest of a male aged in his 70s in the United States following an Irish international arrest warrant,” a Garda spokesperson stated.
“As this is presently a matter for the US authorities, An Garda Síochána will refrain from further comment at this time.”
Gibney founded the Trojan Swimming Club in Blackrock, Dublin, where he also served as a swimming coach.
He also worked as a swimming coach with the Irish national team until 1991.
In 1993, he was charged with 27 counts of indecency and carnal knowledge of girls under 15 years of age.
The following year, a judicial review halted the case’s progression due to the extensive time elapsed since the alleged incidents.
In 1997, after new allegations surfaced, a Garda investigation into Gibney was initiated. This investigation did not result in a prosecution.
George Gibney has resided in the US since 1995.
Following the broadcast of the podcast series, which thoroughly examined the abuse allegations surrounding Mr. Gibney, Gardaí launched a new investigation. Subsequent to an appeal, a number of alleged victims came forward.
In November 2023, Gardaí confirmed that a file on the matter had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The US Marshals Service has been contacted for comment.
