Former Irish Swimming Coach George Gibney Arrested in the US

Former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney, now in his 70s, has been arrested in the United States. He is wanted in Ireland to face over 50 historical sexual abuse charges. Mr Gibney was arrested in Florida by US Marshals on foot of an Irish extradition warrant. He is currently detained pending a court appearance where he can decide whether to accede or contest his extradition.

Gardaí reopened their investigation into Mr Gibney after several people made allegations against him on a BBC podcast over five years ago. A specialist team within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau began the criminal investigation in 2020, and a file was sent to the DPP three years later. The Sexual Crime Management Unit within the Garda Protective Services Bureau conducted the investigation, leading to the DPP recommending over fifty charges against Mr Gibney.

Gardaí secured an extradition warrant in the High Court for Mr Gibney's extradition and have been collaborating with US authorities for over six months. Mr Gibney left Ireland 30 years ago after halting his prosecution on previous charges through a judicial review. He was previously charged in 1993 with indecency and having carnal knowledge of underage girls. Mr Gibney was the coach at Trojan swimming club in Dublin and a former Irish national swimming coach.

After securing an injunction preventing further prosecution, Mr Gibney left Ireland and moved to Scotland before relocating to the US. A second garda investigation in 1997 did not lead to prosecution. Following the broadcast of the BBC podcast 'Where is George Gibney' in 2020, new allegations surfaced, prompting a fresh investigation by gardaí. Mr Gibney is currently in US custody and is expected to appear in court soon.