The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have extradited a 44-year-old man at the request of the Netherlands who is suspected of drug trafficking and large-scale underground banking. The suspect landed in the Netherlands on Friday with a 33-year-old man under the escort of the Royal Marechaussee on a private flight. He will be presented to the examining magistrate in Rotterdam on Tuesday, June 24.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) sees the suspect as the leader of a criminal organization engaged in large-scale underground banking. According to the OM, the 44-year-old man played a key role in the international acceptance and movement of millions in crime money. He is also suspected of involvement in a transport of nearly 300 kilos of cocaine.
Brothers
The suspect, who holds both Dutch and Lebanese nationality, has come into the picture along with two brothers after decrypted SKY-ECC chats. In September 2022, the National Investigation and Intervention Unit (LO) began an investigation into the organization under the direction of the National Prosecutors Office.
Cooperation UAE
The suspect was arrested on September 20, 2023, at the request of the National Prosecutors Office in Dubai. The Netherlands is grateful to the law enforcement authorities in the UAE who have worked to apprehend and extradite the suspect for their cooperation.
Criminal Case Brothers
The substantive hearing of the case against the suspect and his brothers is scheduled for August 27 at the Rotterdam court.