THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED
PARENTAL KIDNAPING

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is requesting the public's assistance regarding the whereabouts of parental kidnapping suspect, Graham Anthony Surtees (Surtees).

Based on information received from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the United States Virgin Islands Police Department (USVIPD) on January 15, 2005, the San Juan Division of the FBI initiated an investigation regarding the parental kidnaping of two British children. The children, females ages eight and twelve, were believed to have been abducted by their natural father Surtees with whom they had been traveling in the United States Virgin Islands area aboard Surtees' 44 foot Catamaran Espace, known as the "Dreamcatcher" (see attached photograph).

The children were determined to be kidnaped after Surtees failed to returned them to their mother in South Africa and demanded a ransom on January 15, 2005 of $6,000,000 in South African currency (approximately $1 million U.S. dollars).

Following the joint investigative efforts of the FBI, the United States Attorneys Office District of the Virgin Islands, USCG, USVIPD, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), United States Park Service, and the British Government, Royal VI Police Force and the South African Police Service the children were successfully recovered on January 21, 2005. Following extensive negotiations, Surtees released the children unharmed in Gallows Bay, Saint John, USVI and disappeared.

At this time, Surtees is being sought for questioning in regards to possible violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1204 (International Parental Kidnaping). Additionally, Surtees is being sought by the Interpol in connection with extortion charges related to this kidnaping.

Surtees is suspected to be hiding in the Caribbean in an effort to avoid capture. He might be traveling in his 44 foot Catamaran, known as the "Dreamcatcher"
Surtees is described as follows:

Age: 43
Race: White
Nationality: South African
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 pounds
Hair: gray
Eyes: blue

Copies of photographs of Surtees and his boat are attached.

The public is urged to immediately contact the FBI and/or local law enforcement authorities with any information regarding the whereabouts of Surtees or his boat, the "Dreamcatcher." The San Juan Division of the FBI can be contacted 24 hours a day at telephone number (787) 754-6000.

The public is reminded that Surtees is being sought for questioning. This does not mean he is guilty of any crime. All suspects are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. Likewise, the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.