Filmmaker Roman Polanski arrested upon arrival in Zurich, Switzerland

Polanski fan in Zurich pleads for the director's release (AP Photo/Keystone, Ennio Leanza)

Roman Polanski may always regret getting on a plane to Switzerland.

What was supposed to be a trip for pleasure turned into a trip where his freedom was immediately taken away.

The famous director took off for Zurich to take part in the 2009 film festival there (held until October 4) and to revel in his high profile award for lifetime achievement.

Instead, the fugitive was taken into Swiss custody, with the possibility of being extradited to the U.S -- not exactly the typical trip of a lifetime if this happens.

The charges for which Polanski earned this move from Europe to the States happened more than 30 years ago. The courts declared that the Paris-born director of such classic films as "Rosemary's Baby," "Chinatown," and "The Pianist" had sex with a 13-year-old girl while living in the U.S. This drove Polanski to fly back to France from Hollywood in 1978 to avoid going to prison. There, he continued to be a filmmaker of high standing.

But with the case still open, Roman roamed France and other European nations for more than three decades, making Paris his home once again -- this time as an Expat fugitive.

Meanwhile, obviously unbeknownst to Polanski, the Swiss authorities have been out to arrest the director since 2005. 

According to the Associated Press, the Swiss Justice Ministry was in charge of the arrest. The AP reported that ministry spokesman Guido Balmer told their reporters, ''There was a valid arrest request and we knew when he was coming. That's why he was taken into custody.''

More as this story develops.

For more on the Roman Polanski case, click here for a video addressing the issue. 

AP Photo to left: Roman Polanski at Marraskech Film Festival last fall (AP Photo/Abdeljalil Bounhar file)