Extradition Treaty UAE and Italy

Extradition is a legal procedure in which one state transfers a person suspected or convicted of a crime to another state for criminal prosecution or the execution of a court sentence. Extradition treaties play a key role in this process, establishing the legal obligations of the parties and ensuring compliance with international standards.

So, are you faced with the threat of extradition to the UAE or Italy?

Having professional legal assistance will allow you to protect your interests effectively. Our legal company will help you competently navigate the extradition procedure between the UAE and Italy. We will provide qualified consultations, protect your rights, and ensure professional support at all stages of the process.

The extradition treaty (UAE and Italy) was signed on September 16, 2015. This step became an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the countries and their cooperation in combating transnational crime. After the agreement was signed, both parties ratified the document within the framework of national legislation, which allowed it to come into force.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that the agreements are aimed at enhancing cooperation in light of the growth in economic, financial, and trade relations, as well as the increasing number of Italian citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates. This was also influenced by the rise in requests for extradition and judicial assistance from Italy.

This agreement obligates Italy and the United Arab Emirates to cooperate in the search and identification of individuals, delivery of documents and acts, summoning individuals involved in criminal proceedings, obtaining and transferring documents and evidence, taking testimonies and statements (including interrogations of suspects and defendants), conducting and transferring expert opinions, investigative actions, searches and seizures, as well as the confiscation, seizure, and forfeiture of proceeds from criminal activities.

The extradition agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Italy clearly defines the principles of extradition:

A person for whom an extradition request has been submitted has the right to a court hearing, as well as to appeal the decision on extradition. Both parties are obligated to uphold human rights per international standards.

In the United Arab Emirates, the extradition procedure is regulated by Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 “On International Cooperation in Criminal Matters,” as well as other regulatory legal acts determining the procedure for interaction with foreign states.

In Italy, Codice di Procedura Penale, as well as a number of constitutional principles. There is also the possibility of a simplified extradition format between EU countries based on the European Arrest Warrant. Italian courts apply the provisions outlined in the Framework Decision of the EU Council 2002/584/JHA, which regulates the surrender of individuals between EU member states.

The procedure begins with the initiation of a criminal case. Law enforcement agencies initiate the case or take actions to enforce the issued sentence. If the wanted person is hiding in another state, law enforcement agencies request assistance to determine their location.

The next step is the preparation and submission of the extradition request. For this, it is necessary to gather the following set of documents:

The official request is sent through diplomatic channels, via the Ministry of Justice or the Prosecutor General’s Office, to the appropriate authority of the foreign state. The authorized bodies review it for compliance with formal requirements and, if necessary, may request additional information.

The receiving party checks whether the request complies with the principle of double criminality, whether the case is of a political nature, whether the rights and freedoms of the accused are not violated, and whether other conditions established by national legislation are met.

If the person has already been located in the territory of the requested state, they may be temporarily detained under an arrest warrant or based on the red notice of Interpol.

The court holds hearings during which the submitted materials and arguments of the parties are reviewed. Based on the results, the court makes a decision on the admissibility of extradition.

The defense has the right to appeal the court’s decision in higher instances. If, after all instances, extradition is deemed permissible, the final word rests with the highest executive authority.

If the decision is positive, the parties agree on the date, place, and conditions for the transfer of the wanted person. In case of refusal of extradition, the respondent state is obliged to justify its decision.

Danilo Coppola, an Italian businessman and former real estate developer, gained prominence in the 2000s for his involvement in large-scale investment projects within the property sector. Over time, however, his name became associated with financial fraud, money laundering, and the misappropriation of investor funds. After criminal charges were filed against him in Italy, he fled the country and spent several years in hiding abroad.

In 2022, Coppola was arrested in the United Arab Emirates, where he had been under surveillance by local authorities. His extradition to Italy was made possible thanks to the legal cooperation agreement between the two countries. The process was completed successfully as part of bilateral cooperation, strictly adhering to international norms.

This case became a significant example of how international cooperation can be effective in tackling financial crimes. Coppola’s extradition reinforced the trust between Italy and the UAE, highlighting the shared commitment to ensuring justice and prosecuting individuals evading justice. The case also demonstrated the UAE’s willingness to maintain strong partnerships with European countries in the field of criminal prosecution.

The extradition agreement falls under the category of international judicial cooperation. Therefore, it applies to all administrative and territorial units that are part of both states.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation consisting of seven emirates, each of which has a certain degree of autonomy. However, extradition is regulated by federal laws that apply to the entire territory of country. These emirates include: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Extradition applies to the entire territory of the UAE, including the mentioned emirates.

The agreement also applies to the entire territory of Italy, including major administrative centers and autonomous regions (Trentino-Alto Adige, Sicily, Sardinia, and others), which have special legal powers but are required to comply with national legislation regarding extradition.

Extradition is a complex and multi-stage procedure requiring a deep understanding of both international and national legislation. Therefore, it is extremely important to enlist the support of experienced specialists as quickly as possible. Our team is ready to provide assistance in any, even the most challenging situation, ensuring reliable protection of the client’s rights and interests.

Our lawyers have many years of experience in the field of extradition and are well-versed in the legislation of the United Arab Emirates and Italy. We maintain close contacts with colleagues and government authorities in both countries, which speeds up the process of obtaining the necessary information and documents. Our team guarantees strict confidentiality and, if necessary, is ready to work in an expedited manner.

We provide the following services to our clients:

Contact us right now for an initial consultation and protection of your rights within the framework of complex international procedures!