HomeExtradition between the Dubai and Italy
Extradition represents a legal mechanism within which one state transfers to another a person suspected or convicted of committing a crime, for the purpose of criminal prosecution or execution of a sentence. Extradition treaties play a key role in this process, establishing the legal obligations of the parties and ensuring compliance with international standards.
If you are faced with the threat of extradition to the UAE or Italy, timely and professional legal assistance will allow you to effectively protect your interests. Our legal company will help you competently navigate the extradition procedure between these two countries. We will provide qualified consultations, protect your rights, and ensure professional support at all stages of the process.
The objectives of the extradition agreement between the UAE and Italy
The extradition agreement between the UAE and Italy was signed on 16 September 2015. This step became an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in combating transnational crime. After the signing, both parties ratified the document within the framework of national legislation, which allowed it to come into force.
The Ministry of Justice emphasises that the agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation in light of the growth in economic, financial, and trade relations, as well as the increasing number of Italian citizens residing in the UAE. This has also been influenced by the rise in requests for extradition and legal assistance from Italy.
This agreement obliges Italy and the UAE to cooperate in the search and identification of individuals, delivery of documents, summoning of persons involved in criminal proceedings, obtaining and transferring evidence, conducting interrogations, as well as in the confiscation and seizure of proceeds from criminal activities.
The agreement clearly defines the principles of extradition, which require:
- A court ruling or an arrest warrant issued by the competent authorities of the requesting party;
- Description of the crime, the circumstances of its commission, and its legal qualification;
- Copies of legislative norms confirming the punishability of the act;
- Information about the identity of the wanted person (full name, citizenship, location).
The person for whom an extradition request has been submitted has the right to a court hearing and to appeal the decision. Both parties are obliged to respect human rights in accordance with international standards.
In the UAE, the extradition procedure is regulated by Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 “On International Cooperation in Criminal Matters”. In Italy, it is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Codice di Procedura Penale) and a number of constitutional principles. Additionally, for EU countries, a simplified format based on the European Arrest Warrant is possible.
The process of extradition between Italy and the UAE
The procedure begins with the initiation of a criminal case. If the wanted person is hiding in another state, law enforcement agencies request assistance in determining their whereabouts.
The next step is the preparation and submission of the extradition request, for which it is necessary to compile a package of documents:
- Detention order or court sentence;
- Description of the crime and the factual circumstances of the case;
- Indication of applicable legal norms;
- Copies of the available evidence of the involvement of the wanted person;
- Personal data of the wanted person.
An official request is sent through diplomatic channels to the relevant authority of a foreign state. The authorised bodies verify it for compliance with formal requirements.
The receiving party checks whether the request complies with the principle of double criminality, whether the case is of a political nature, and whether the rights and freedoms of the accused are not being violated. If the person has already been located, they may be temporarily detained on the basis of a warrant or an Interpol red notice.
The court holds hearings where the submitted materials and arguments of the parties are considered, and makes a decision on the admissibility of extradition. The defence has the right to appeal this decision to higher instances. The final decision is made by the highest executive authority.
In the case of a positive decision, the parties agree on the date, place, and conditions of the transfer. In the event of a refusal of extradition, the requested state is obliged to justify its decision.
In which cases is extradition applied between Italy and the UAE
Extradition is applied in a number of specific situations. Most often, it is associated either with the need to ensure that a person is brought to criminal responsibility or with the enforcement of an already issued sentence. Extradition is applied in the following cases:
- Bringing to criminal responsibility. If a person is accused of committing a crime in one country and is hiding in the territory of another.
- Execution of the sentence. If the convicted person has left the country to evade punishment.
- International search. Within the framework of cooperation through Interpol, countries exchange information about the whereabouts of wanted persons.
Extradition is applied only to serious crimes recognised as criminally punishable in both countries. This category includes murder, causing grievous bodily harm, large-scale fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, drug trafficking, terrorism and others.
Extradition of Danilo Coppola: strengthening cooperation
Danilo Coppola, an Italian businessman and former developer, became known in the 2000s thanks to large investment projects. However, over time his name became associated with financial fraud and money laundering. After criminal cases were initiated against him in Italy, he left the country.
In 2022, Coppola was arrested in the UAE. His extradition to Italy became possible thanks to a legal cooperation agreement. The process was successfully completed within the framework of bilateral interaction and in strict accordance with international standards.
This case became a vivid example of the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating financial crimes. The extradition of Coppola strengthened trust between Italy and the UAE, highlighting their shared commitment to justice.
Territorial scope of the agreement
The extradition agreement applies to all administrative-territorial units of both states.
UAE is a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain). Extradition is regulated by federal laws that apply throughout the entire country.
The agreement also extends to the entire territory of Italy, including major administrative centres and autonomous regions (Trentino-Alto Adige, Sicily, Sardinia, and others).
Seek legal assistance
Extradition is a complex procedure requiring a deep understanding of both international and national legislation. It is extremely important to enlist the support of experienced specialists as soon as possible. Our team is ready to provide assistance in any, even the most challenging situation.
Our lawyers have many years of experience in the field of extradition and are well-versed in the legislation of the UAE and Italy. We maintain close contacts with colleagues and government authorities in both countries, which speeds up the process of obtaining the necessary information.
We provide the following services:
- Initial consultation: risk assessment, legal analysis of documents, and determination of case prospects.
- Preparation for the court process: gathering evidence, forming a legal position, preparing motions.
- Representation of interests in court: accompanying the client at all stages to achieve the most favourable outcome.
- Challenging extradition: analysis of grounds for refusal to extradite (political motive, non bis in idem, and others).
- Interaction with state authorities: conducting negotiations with the prosecutor’s office, courts, and authorised organisations.
Contact us right now for consultation and protection of your rights within the framework of complex international procedures!
