Dubai has extradited two international suspects to France on charges of fraud and drug trafficking, marking the latest step in a series of coordinated international operations aimed at dismantling organised transnational crime networks. The arrests, carried out after Interpol and Europol red notices were issued, underscore the UAE’s increasing role as a key hub in global law enforcement collaboration.
International Red Notices Lead to Arrest and Extradition
Two individuals, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed, were apprehended in Dubai following international red notices issued by both Interpol and Europol. Dubai Police confirmed the arrests on Friday, stating the men were wanted in France for serious criminal offenses including attempted fraud and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In an official statement, Dubai Police said:“Search and investigation teams launched a tracking operation based on red notices. The suspects and their homes were identified and monitored until they were arrested.” The arrests were the result of joint efforts between Dubai Police, the UAE Ministry of Justice’s International Cooperation Department, and French judicial authorities. The Ministry of Justice confirmed it had received official arrest warrants and coordinated with Dubai’s Public Prosecution to facilitate the extradition. Authorities further revealed that the suspects were not just wanted for isolated offenses but were linked to organised international criminal activity, with connections to murder, money laundering, armed robbery, and crime syndicate leadership.“These suspects were involved in organised international crimes including murder, money laundering, armed robbery, drug trafficking and crime gang leaders,” the Dubai Police added.
Broader Law Enforcement Trend: 10 Extraditions to France in 2025
With this operation, the number of suspects extradited by Dubai Police to France in 2025 has reached 10, according to official figures. These individuals are tied to a wide range of grave offenses including:
- Premeditated murder
- Leading organised crime networks
- Large-scale drug trafficking
- Armed robbery
- Financial crimes including money laundering and fraud
This increasing number highlights the UAE’s proactive stance on transnational crime and the country’s tightening cooperation with global law enforcement agencies. Earlier this year, on February 7, the UAE extradited Mehdi Charafa, a French national wanted on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, after the UAE’s Federal Supreme Court approved the extradition request from French authorities.
High-Profile Cases Highlight UAE’s Role in Global Policing
Dubai has also been instrumental in other high-stakes international handovers this year. On July 17, the UAE extradited Othman El Ballouti, widely known as the “Cocaine King”, to Belgium. El Ballouti, a 38-year-old Belgian-Moroccan, was among Interpol and Europol’s most wanted. He is accused of orchestrating massive cocaine shipments into Europe, particularly through the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s busiest entry points for narcotics. El Ballouti’s arrest in Dubai in December 2024 and subsequent extradition followed procedures outlined under the 2021 UAE-Belgium extradition treaty. His case formed part of a wider international anti-narcotics operation involving multiple jurisdictions.Alongside El Ballouti, two other high-profile suspects, Matthias Akyazili and Georgi Faes, were also extradited, marking a significant moment in international anti-narcotics collaboration.
A Regional Hub for International Cooperation
The International Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Justice has played a central role in processing these extradition requests. As the designated authority for handling such international legal matters, it works closely with domestic agencies like Dubai Police and the Public Prosecution to ensure that extradition proceedings are compliant with both UAE laws and international agreements. The UAE’s active response to red notices and arrest warrants, especially in high-profile cases, reflects a broader policy shift toward strengthening international justice systems and reinforcing global security frameworks.
