Seventy-two-year-old Derek Bond was detained at the request of the FBI and held in a police cell in South Africa for three weeks.

On Wednesday the FBI conceded the Bristol grandfather was not the man they had been seeking, wanted fugitive and fraud suspect Derek Sykes.

A man believed to be the real Derek Sykes, also known as Derek Bond, was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday evening and officials say it is a case of identity theft.

What can the FBI do to compensate Derek Bond?

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your comments:

Derek should receive a large monetary compensation and the persons responsible for his arrest should be dismissed from their positions. One has only to compare his photo with that of the man subsequently arrested to see that only a fool would think they were of the same person.
Bill Flinders, Ilkeston, Derbyshire

While it is unfortunate that Mr Bond was incorrectly detained it is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that he should receive compensation. Arrests for capital offences where the suspect is incarcerated for many months, often bordering a year, while a trial is prepared are not uncommon. Should every one of our tens of thousands of released suspects be compensated for the months they spent awaiting trial?
Jonathan Cooke, Jacksonville FL, USA

The British Consulate proved powerless or unwilling to resolve the matter. Phillip Holley, UK

The FBI made an honest mistake and I hope that a just financial settlement will be forthcoming. However, what I am disturbed by in this case is how the British Consulate proved powerless or unwilling to resolve the matter. They're too busy brown-nosing the Americans to keep to their proper remit of acting in the interests of British citizens abroad.
Phillip Holley, UK, London

Of course Mr Bond should have an apology and appropriate compensation. And of course his detainment went on for too long. But what nobody seems to accept is that we ALL make mistakes and NONE of us is perfect. If the authorities (not just the USA - any country) are to arrest bad guys then occasionally the wrong person will be arrested. Better to err on the side of caution, don't you think ? And then speedily verify the facts.
Neale, UK

Once again the compensation culture kicks in... Who can we sue? How much can we squeeze out of them? How about a flat rate payable to all falsely imprisoned people. Say 1.5 times the prisoners normal daily salary with a minimum of $200. It would motivate the authorities to be more scrupulous when detaining people if their compensation bill cost millions every year.
Scott, UK

I think that we have to accept that this sort of mistake is bound to happen Mark, UK

If we want a justice system that is effective and proactive then I think that we have to accept that this sort of mistake is bound to happen especially when tracking criminals across oceans and international borders. Derek Bond should get compensation, but some of the figures banded around so far are ridiculous. For how many people are 3 weeks worth �1 million? I think that Derek Bond and his wife are genuine people who are just glad that he's now free. Max Clifford will soon be at his door and the newspapers will more than compensate for his ordeal I'm sure.
Mark Kent, Darlington UK

He was detained because somebody stole his identity. Anybody would have been arrested in his situation. The FBI owe him a big apology for making him wait so long before they sorted the mess out. It's the South Africans though that he needs to complain to. They were the ones who put him in an open cell with murderers and rapists. They did not have to do that.
Chris, UK

Thabo Mbeki was decent enough to ring Mr Bond personally and apologise. I'm sure the president of the United States will be only too keen to extend our citizen the same courtesy. After all, we are the Americans' great allies, shoulder to shoulder and all that.
David Rogers, Worcester, UK

I don't think the blame is being spread around very fairly. Helen, UK/USA

While it's true that the FBI made a huge blunder and that Mr. Bond should be compensated in a big way for his horrendous experience, I'm puzzled as to why he does not blame the South African authorities in some part. He says: "I was put into a large cell with murderers, rapists, drug addicts, and we were held in a cage." That wasn't the fault of the FBI, was it? People are very quick to jump on the US, and in this case I don't blame them. But in the case of Mr. Bond, I don't think the blame is being spread around very fairly. It took two countries to tango.
Helen, UK/USA

He was in prison for three weeks because the FBI made an error and were slow to correct it. At the very least they owe him three weeks pay - suggest a rate equal to the highest paid FBI employee.
Paddy O'Flynn, England

Large numbers of people are encouraging Mr.Bond to sue the FBI. The irony, of course, is that if it was the British police who had taken part in such an error, anyone suggesting they be sued would be shouted down for participating in "compensation culture", and the cry "they were only doing their jobs" would be heard. Isn't it amazing how the double standards start creeping out whenever we're considering anything that isn't British?
Simon Moore, EU

He shouldn't have to sue, the FBI should already be making offers Amanda Nash, UK

Good to see Mr Bond back in the UK. I was quite choked when I heard him speaking to the press about the conditions he was kept in. He shouldn't have to sue, the FBI should already be making compensation offers. I'm pleased to see Mr Bond reunited with his family and I wish him well.
Amanda Nash, UK

Maybe he should be given a tour of the FBI headquarters to demonstrate they had the best intentions, but he will probably have nightmares for the rest of his life. The Western world is in the grip of fear about identity theft. Simple measures could have stopped it years ago but the US and UK opted not to take action. Now these governments are rubbing their hands in glee because everyone is so afraid it makes it easier to justify bringing in national identity cards.
John Taggart, Scotland

As a British bobby, I understand the difficulties with international criminals, but how difficult is it to look at a photo? Can you imagine if another country had treated an American citizen in the same way? The US Government would be in uproar! I shouldn't think Mr Blair will want to say anything to upset his mate George. Mr Bond should be compensated for this ridiculous mistake.
Paul Quinton, UK

My husband was held in immigration as he entered the US Jane, UK

I think this is going to become increasingly common. My husband, a US citizen, was held in immigration as he entered the US several months ago. It appears someone had stolen his identity and it was only because the immigration and customs officers knew several friends and acquaintances of my husband that he was allowed to go, this only after three hours.

My husband is a pilot so the implications of stolen identity are not only personally scary but a real security risk. Mr Bond should not only receive monetary compensation and an apology from the FBI but also the South African authorities.
Jane, UK

I find it terrifying that the country that expects the world to trust its intelligence managed to lock up an innocent man for three weeks, on top of the outstanding achievement of bombing the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia. The excuse of faulty intelligence just doesn't cut it when people's lives are on the line. A very public apology and a very large cash settlement are in order. If Mr Bond wishes to donate some or all of the cash to charity then more power to him, but he deserves more than some idle words.
Dave Tankard, UK

OK, the FBI made a mistake and lessons should be learnt. However, should we stop pursuing criminals for fear of rare cases like this? I don't think so. Also, people should remember that Mr Bond was technically detained by the South African police - the FBI were not responsible for his living conditions. I agree that Mr Bond should be compensated for his lost holiday, but a huge punitive payout would only serve to hinder the FBI from continuing it's operations against real, dangerous criminals.
Matthew, UK

Fly him first class to Washington and have the FBI director apologise publicly to him there James T, Germany

Forget an apology in London, fly him first class to Washington and have the FBI director apologise publicly to him there. It is not that they thought he was someone else that I find inexcusable - this can happen. It is their inaction for three weeks that led to his disgusting treatment. If the FBI are this lax on those considered to be in their top 10, I dread to think what other injustices are currently being allowed to happen lower down.
James T, Germany (British)

All this talk of suing the FBI is ridiculous. They arrested the "right man" in that his identity had been stolen - so everything pointed to him being the man they wanted. Maybe they should be suing the man who was using his identity!
Richard S, Barnsley, UK

Derek Bond should definitely sue. At least he's out now though. Who knows if any of the inmates of Guantanamo Bay are in the same position as him, and will anyone ever find out?
Helen, UK

If I were Mr Bond, I would sue the FBI for $1m and give it all to charity. How can it take three weeks to resolve things like this? The FBI are stupid.
Mark Wignall, Singapore

SUGGEST A DEBATE This debate was suggested by Clifton Gare-Mogg. How should the FBI compensate Derek Bond? Send us your suggestions for Have Your Say debates

Let me tell you from experience, those holding cells are horrible! There is an open toilet, blue stone coffee, and the fish head swill that they feed you is indigestible. Another thing is there is absolutely nothing to do but sit on the concrete floor of a six metre square courtyard and watch the occasional vapour trail from a jet passing overhead. All this when on holiday, I would be clocking dollar signs if I were him - zillions.
Rob Linz, Czech Republic/formerly of Durban

The FBI should offer him many thousands of dollars and stage a highly public, high profile ceremony of apology in London as well as his home town. The South African authorities should also kick in on some of the grovelling as well. Of course the authorities won't do any of those things and, therefore, should probably be sued for a laundry list of offences against this man.
Douglas Ross, Texas, USA

Requests by one country's law enforcement agency for international cooperation should not be blindly honoured Eric Altshuler, USA

Perhaps the time has come where requests by one country's law enforcement agency for international cooperation should not be blindly honoured by another. In their eagerness to impress the FBI and the omnipotent USA, it appears the South African authorities reacted in knee-jerk fashion and arrested an innocent man (who clearly was not the man in the Interpol picture), then compounded the injustice by detaining him for three weeks in conditions that would be considered inhumane for anyone, especially someone of his age. I am not in favour of today's prevalence for overzealous litigation, but Mr Bond has every right to seek a multi-million dollar compensation, not just from the FBI but from South African authorities as well.
Eric Altshuler, USA

Things like this don't get reported in our newspapers. The taxpayers would end up paying any compensation, but I would be happy to do it.
Julia, USA

How can this happen? Why three weeks? Will other countries learn from this and make sure that they don't only rely on the info of the FBI or other intelligence agencies? I hope the Bond family will get to live their life without anymore of this terrible kind of injustice.
Oswin Remigio, Holland

Guilty until proven innocent?? A prime example of how the FBI thinks that they can do whatever they want to whomever they wish. Mr Bond should seek as much monetary compensation as possible, sending a message to the FBI that they cannot violate our rights, realise they are wrong, say, "Oops, sorry" and simply walk away!
Eric, Canada

Instead of blaming the FBI for arresting the wrong man, shouldn't we be at least a little bit pleased that they were actually trying to do their job? If they arrest someone who really is a wanted person, at least they did the job quickly. However, I do think that Derek Bond should receive some sort of compensation for ruining his holiday.
Helen, England

A LOT of money in compensation and both a written and public apology from both the Chief or the FBI AND George Bush. To be televised on all major news channels throughout the West. This is not just damaging for Derek but also for the already strained relationship between the British public and the US. If they need us as allies then they need to accept responsibility and put right this blunder.
Rick, UK

This is not an isolated incident. Moreover, entering the USA today, as a non-American citizen, is a hit or miss proposition. You may be photographed, fingerprinted and interrogated on a whim, and if you refuse, you will never be allowed to enter the United States again.
D Webster, Canada

My suggestion is that a compromise is sought Martin, UK

Mr Bond is now 72, so why waste spending time in court suing one of the largest security agencies in the world? My suggestion is that a compromise is sought, which will send the couple on an all expenses paid trip around the world for three months, in total luxury, possibly the QE2, I think that would be suitable compensation.
Martin, UK

I think the chief of the FBI should pay Derek a visit and apologise personally. Also, he should claim as much compensation out of this as possible. Three weeks at his age are so precious.
Peter, UK

It's interesting how many of you refer to suing the FBI as though it were a person. Looks like you've all learned well from the litigious nature of the American legal system. I see you can hardly wait to match us. Well done! Remember, you're not really suing the FBI but rather the American people. Right?
Jim, USA

Within an hour of his arrest the FBI could have set up a video-link to interview him, and sorted the whole thing out there and then. What hope do we have in the war on terror if such incompetence is displayed by the FBI?
Mike Martin, UK

In this day and age, institutions and corporations do not know the word "manners" Sattar, London, England

Absolutely!! The FBI may be able to push people around everywhere else, but to treat an elderly British citizen like this is disgraceful. In this day and age, such institutions and corporations do not know the word "manners".
Sattar, London, England

Following the FBI's admission of mistaken identity over Mr Bond, does anyone have any personal experiences of identity theft?
Gill L, UK

I recommend he gets the best American litigation lawyer he can find and turn him loose on his fellow countrymen. There are two things really scary about this situation: The US is drowning in "intelligence" but lacks people to evaluate the information properly. How many of the thousands of people who have been picked up anonymously in the US since 9/11 are in the same situation as Derek Bond, but unable to do anything about it..?
Charles Simon, Scotland

There should be a senior resignation at the FBI David Williams, Netherlands

Such a worrying incident. There should be a senior resignation at the FBI for that kind of mistake. Clearly, the person involved can't be trusted to determine who needs to be detained, so has lost the confidence of the general public. I'd like to see President Bush apologize on behalf of the US, as Britain is their most loyal ally. And how about $100k per day as compensation? The FBI's enormous budget might feel that sort of sum.
David Williams, Netherlands

This is an unfortunate incident and I feel that Mr Bond should be heartily compensated. An apology is not enough. He deserves punitive damages. It is the responsibility of the FBI to uphold the constitution here in my own country. If they want to play world policeman then they should also uphold the constitution's right to a speedy trial in other countries as well. Here in the US a person would never be allowed to be held that long without questioning with a attorney present. It is not beyond the means of the FBI to fly an agent there by the next day. To show the FBI that they should not abuse the power they are given, I would award Mr Bond between $5-10m if I were on the jury. Then the message the American people would be sending the FBI would be clear.
Jay, USA

Derek Bond should follow the example of most Americans and seek extraordinary damages for the easily avoidable indignity to which he was subjected. Fortunately the FBI case officer who issued his warrant is based in Texas where federal juries have no love of big government and a reputation for huge damages pay-outs. The threat of an embarrassing and costly law suit should be enough to elicit a generous settlement offer. If not, I am sure that Mr Bond will find many Texas law firms happy to take up his case on a contingency fee basis.
David Ravech, UK

Three weeks on a concrete floor are very bad for a 72-year-old pensioner. I feel sorry for you Mr Bond and hope that your lawyers will claim millions of dollars compensation soon.
Aftab Ahmad, UK

Considering the amounts claimed by people in ultra litigious US for much less serious problems he should be suing for millions of dollars. Perhaps we should also reflect on the poor intelligence the FBI have based this fiasco on and ask ourselves if this gives an insight into the claims against Iraq made by other agencies in the US who are convinced of their infallibility.
Alastair Wight, UK

Anyone can make a mistake but this one is especially worrying. First, because it was made by an intelligence body in a country that wants us to go to war based on its intelligence. Second because of the absurd amount of time Mr Bond was left to languish in jail. He should be handsomely compensated for his ordeal.
Matthew Holt, UK

Sue them for everything you can get Mr Bond.
Karl, UK

I'm glad for Mr Bond that it's now sorted out, and I can imagine he'll be after more than an apology from the FBI. It's easy to empathise with Mr Bond's predicament - a boiling rage - you got the wrong man, you clowns! But now imagine you're on Death Row in Texas and you didn't do it.
Anthony, UK

It's another example of the US Government being over zealous, thinking they have their man they cannot conceive that they could possibly be wrong. I admire Mr Bond's calm attitude to what must have been a terrible and frightening ordeal.
Antony Buckmaster, England

Mr Bond has every right to sue the FBI, and good luck to him Edward, UK

For a pensioner to be falsely arrested at gunpoint by the FBI while on holiday is nothing short of shameful. If they had bothered to do the smallest bit of homework, for example comparing the picture of the criminal with Mr Bond, they would not have needed to take days to find out that they had the wrong man. Mr Bond has every right to sue the FBI, and good luck to him. Their arrogance is this matter is appalling.
Edward, UK

Relieving a man of his liberty is a terrible thing especially when he is an innocent. Out of genuine respect for the victim, I believe the FBI should be forthcoming with an offer of compensation. An apology is not enough in this case. The man is old, and could have died in custody. Big Brother should start getting its facts right before putting people in jail.
Ian, UK

This was a terrible for Bond family. They should sue for proper compensation from FBI. This was not a first time. Last time when the missile hit Chinese embassy in Belgrade because a map of the US intelligent data base was not updated. Please give them some thought. Apologies are useless if this thing can happen in the future to other innocent people.
Soulin, Laos

The sum of $1m will do, as long as it hurts the FBI and jerks them out of their complacency.
Jeff W, UK

Given that the photograph on the Interpol website is obviously not Derek Bond, the FBI should fork out a sizeable sum in compensation. It takes just a few seconds to notice that the facial features are distinctly different, especially the nose and jowls, so the FBI have no excuse.
C Johnson, England

This is an outrage - how long would Mr Bond have stayed in a South African jail had the "real" fugitive not been identified in Vegas?
Craig, UK

Absolutely disgraceful. It's enough to affect him for the rest of his life. I hope he gets enough money to have more carefree holidays. Can you compensate him for the stress?
Pat Edwards, England

Having just returned from working in the legal field in the US for the past eight years, obtaining any compensation from the FBI will tough. I personally feel that Mr Bond should be compensated by paying for another holiday, and compensating him financially for his wrongful imprisonment. However, knowing the FBI and how it uses its resources, any form of compensation is going to have to be fought for via the Federal Court system.
Lisa Beam, England

I think the FBI should make a very public broadcast of their error - in the way they do when it suits them. Yet again, it shows the incompetence of the "super power"... I just can't help thinking about all those in Delta-X. Could they also be the "wrong man"?
William Dowell, UK

Luckily this sort of case is rare and here had a relatively happy and prompt outcome. When the EU proposals for arrest and extradition (without appeal or a hearing) from any one EU country to another come into force these sorts of errors will become much more common and none the less distasteful.
Niall Clarke, Manchester, England