Extradition Treaty between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates

The UAE and Turkey have signed numerous bilateral agreements, including an extradition treaty. It serves as the basis for mutual legal assistance between the countries on issues of extraditing individuals accused or convicted of crimes. The document regulates the procedure for transferring individuals for trial or sentence execution, ensuring compliance with human rights and international standards.

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The extradition agreement between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates was signed on September 22, 2011. On July 19, 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also signed a joint accord with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed to establish a high-level strategic council for economic cooperation and facilitate the surrender of fugitives in both nations.

The agreement established the legal framework for the transfer of wanted individuals between the two countries, ensuring compliance with international standards and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the criminal justice field. After signing, the document was ratified by both countries in accordance with their domestic law.

The extradition procedure between Turkey and the UAE is regulated by both the provisions of the treaty and the national laws of each country. In the UAE, Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 “On International Cooperation in Criminal Matters” governs the procedure for submitting and reviewing extradition requests. The same Federal Law No. 39 applies across all UAE extradition cases, including those under the UAE-Russia extradition treaty signed in 2014.

In Turkey, the Criminal Procedure Code is Ceza Muhakemesi Kanunu. The Law on International Cooperation in Criminal Matters regulates interaction with foreign states on extradition issues.

The agreement clearly defines the following conditions of extradition between the countries:

The following categories of crimes are subject to extradition:

1. Political crimes: opposition activities against the existing regime are not subject to extradition for their political opinion. However, if the crime is related to terrorism (explosions, attacks on civilian populations), extradition is possible.

2. War crimes: acts violating international laws of warfare (cruel treatment of prisoners, actions against civilians, use of prohibited weapons, and others) may be grounds for extradition.

3. Financial crimes: money laundering, corruption, embezzlement of state funds, tax fraud.

4. Crimes against public safety: terrorist acts, illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking.

The agreement prohibits extradition in cases where it may lead to a violation of the fundamental rights of the person sought, including the death penalty, torture, cruel treatment, or unfair trial.

According to the principle of non bis in idem, extradition is impossible if a person has already been convicted or acquitted for the same crime in another state. Turkey and the UAE authorities have the right not to extradite their citizens; however, the parties may agree on prosecution within the country.

Turkey and the UAE may submit a request to Interpol for the issuance of a red notice, which allows a person to be declared internationally wanted. After the person is located in one of the countries, local law enforcement agencies can detain them based on an international warrant or red notice of Interpol.

After the detention of the wanted person in the requested country, local authorities may temporarily take them into custody. This is done to prevent escape until an official extradition request is received.

The requesting party must prepare and send an official extradition request. This document includes:

Authorized bodies, such as the Ministry of Justice or the prosecutor’s office, verify the request for compliance with formal requirements: the principle of double criminality, the presence of evidence substantiating the request, and adherence to international standards for the protection of human rights.

The United Arab Emirates has long been considered a safe haven for fugitive criminals from Turkey and the Balkan region. One of the most prominent cases is that of Sedat Peker, a powerful Turkish crime boss with a long history of extortion, violence, and organised crime. Previously convicted in Turkey, he became a politically significant figure after releasing a series of videos in 2021, where he accused the Turkish government of corruption, abuse of power, and ties to drug cartels.

After fleeing the Balkans, where he had been hiding for nearly two years, Peker settled in the UAE, where he has been living for over two years. The Emirati authorities have limited his digital activity, banning new videos and statements on social media. His presence in Dubai underscores the international nature of issues related to the sheltering of fugitives, particularly those whose actions extend beyond ordinary criminality and touch on political interests.

Against the backdrop of the agreement signed in 2023 between Turkey and the UAE, aimed at combating the provision of refuge to wanted individuals, Peker’s case takes on particular significance. It could set a precedent for future extraditions and a shift in approaches to international cooperation in criminal prosecution.

If you or your loved ones are facing the threat of extradition in Turkey or Abu Dhabi, secure legal support from experienced specialists as quickly as possible. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist even in the most challenging circumstances.

We understand that extradition is a matter of time, so we respond quickly to requests, promptly prepare the necessary documents, and represent the client’s interests in courts and government agencies. We ensure complete confidentiality and protect the clients’ interests at every stage of the case.

Our partners in Turkey and Abu Dhabi help expedite the process and ensure efficient interaction with local authorities. We are always available for prompt response to changes in the case.

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Contact us right now for an initial consultation and the development of an effective strategy to protect your rights and legal interests. Submit a request for a consultation, and our specialists will contact you shortly to discuss the situation and offer the optimal solution.