Dr. Walid Abdelhamid skipped bail while awaiting trial on sex assault charges. He was arrested in Greece earlier this month. (QMI Agency file photo)

WINNIPEG — After a year on the run, a doctor accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy at Winnipeg's Children's Hospital has been arrested in Europe, confirming widespread belief he fled overseas.

Walid Abdelhamid was taken into custody by customs officials at an airport in Greece during the second week of August, Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said Friday.

"He was travelling at the time," Michalyshen said.

Michalyshen was unaware if Abdelhamid, 31, was departing or arriving in Greece, or what other countries he might have visited during his time in hiding.

A customs official did a background check on Abdelhamid's name and learned he was wanted by Winnipeg Police Service. Canada-wide warrants were issued when Abdelhamid disappeared last summer to elude prosecution.

The fugitive doctor is still in Greece. An extradition process is underway to have him returned to Winnipeg to face the charges.

Abdelhamid's tale of escape is shrouded in mystery. His passport was seized by Manitoba authorities but the Libyan-born man was somehow able to flee Canada and travel overseas without detection until Greek customs officials detained him.

Investigators in Winnipeg are hoping to interview him when he returns to learn how he slipped under the radar and managed to escape Canada, and if anyone assisted him.

Michalyshen said it's not known how long it will take to complete the extradition process.

"This process is going to take some time," Michalyshen said.

He said the boy's family has been notified of the arrest.

Michalyshen was unaware what, if any, additional charges Abdelhamid may face.

Despite reported sightings in the Toronto and Hamilton areas, authorities believed Abdelhamid fled overseas and questioned whether he had help obtaining a new travel document.

Sources believed he fled to Europe because his parents live in Vienna.

Abdelhamid disappeared in July 2009, about a month after he got bail and was ordered to surrender his passport and reside in Winnipeg.

The Crown and police opposed his release, saying he was a serious flight risk.

Abdelhamid is accused of twice sexually assaulting a young boy at Winnipeg's Children's Hospital on June 15, 2009.

Abdelhamid worked at the facility on a training visa and as a postgraduate resident doctor in the U of M's faculty of medicine.

He is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.