Ireland has taken a significant step in its fight against organized crime by signing an extradition treaty with the UAE. This move is aimed at widening the net to try and capture members of Europe’s most wanted criminal enterprises. However, this treaty could also pave the way for serious implications for a wider group of individuals in the UAE with unresolved legal matters outside the jurisdiction.

Implications for Individuals in the UAE with legal issues in other jurisdictions

While the treaty primarily targets cartels, it creates broader legal implications for individuals in the UAE with other unresolved legal issues in other jurisdictions. For years, the UAE has been seen as a relatively safe destination for those with financial disputes and business problems in other jurisdictions. Without an extradition agreements in place, individuals could relocate to the UAE without fear of being sent back to face legal consequences in other jurisdictions.

Now, this perception of safety is increasingly being put at risk. The new extradition treaty opens the door for other jurisdictions to seek the return of individuals in relation to a wide range of legal issues. For those considering the UAE as a safe haven, the treaty could mean facing extradition for matters that were previously thought to be left behind.

A Warning for Those Seeking Refuge in the UAE

This development is a significant warning to individuals in the UAE with outstanding legal issues. With the treaty in place, cooperation between Ireland and UAE law enforcement will undoubtably increase, and individuals who thought they had found refuge may find themselves subject to extradition proceedings.

Conclusion

Ireland’s extradition treaty with the UAE marks a new era of international cooperation, primarily designed to dismantle cartels but with far-reaching implications.

Not only will it lead to intensified efforts to apprehend high-profile criminals, but it will also affect those in the UAE with personal or business-related legal issues elsewhere which had before been left behind.

Time will tell whether other countries follow suit.

How Gherson can help

Gherson have extensive experience in providing legal assistance in extradition matters. We have previously written several articles addressing specific concerns in the Middle East:

• Further Human Right’s Concerns in the UAE
• Interpol Enhances Transnational Financial Crime-fighting Capabilities – Individuals and Corporates Beware
• INTERPOL and unfunded cheques – an update
• Gherson LLP secures INTERPOL Red Notice deletion

INTERPOL measures

In addition, those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, Special (INTERPOL – United Nations Security Council) or Yellow Notice, should take heed.

Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:    

1. How to best approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?

What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?

What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?

What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?

What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?

What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?

What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?

INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges

How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice

INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition

How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice.

Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this video or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2024

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