AFP/Geneva
Swiss police on Tuesday arrested a man dubbed the "Vaulter Bandit", whom Canadian authorities have described as one of the country's most notorious bank robbers following a series of brazen heists around Toronto.
The 53-year-old, who reportedly got his nickname because he jumped onto bank counters to snatch money from tellers during previous robberies, was arrested by a special police unit in Geneva, authorities in the Swiss canton said in a statement.
He is accused of robbing at least 22 banks in Canada between 2010 and 2015, and an international arrest warrant had been issued against him, the statement said.
No details were given as to how long he had been in Geneva or how Swiss police managed to track him.
The suspect, who holds dual French- American nationality, is being detained ahead of a possible extradition to Canada, the statement said.
According to reports in multiple Canadian outlets, the Vaulter Bandit's last known heist targeted a bank in the city of Mississauga outside Toronto on May 8.
He reportedly wished employees a Happy Mother's Day before leaving with bags full of cash.
The Canadian Bankers Association had offered a CAD $100,000 ($75,000, 67,000 euros) reward for his arrest.
