Dubai police announced Sunday the extradition to Belgium of three Belgian nationals wanted for offenses related to organized crime, including drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Emirati authorities specified that the suspects were the subject of red notices issued by Interpol and were wanted in Belgium as part of cases involving "transnational organized crime."
In December, the press revealed the arrest in Dubai of Othman El Ballouti, considered one of the most wanted drug traffickers by Belgium.
He is among the three names mentioned in a statement released by the Emirati metropolis' police.
"The three suspects, Mathias Akyazili, Giorgi Faes and Othman El Ballouti, are being prosecuted for several serious offenses, including leading a criminal gang, drug and psychotropic substance trafficking, armed robberies, as well as acts of human trafficking," said the statement relayed by the local government's media office.
Authorities added that the three men were apprehended on the basis of Interpol red notices, during an operation that demonstrates "the close cooperation between Dubai police and international law enforcement agencies."
An extradition agreement between Belgium and the United Arab Emirates has been in effect since 2021. The first extradition under this agreement took place in December 2023, involving an Albanian trafficker.
Several figures from the drug trade are suspected of having taken refuge in Dubai after the dismantling in 2019 of the encrypted communication network Sky ECC, used by traffickers, following a joint investigation by Belgian, Dutch and French police.
The oil-rich United Arab Emirates often highlight their stability, security and a business-friendly environment.
Humanitarian convoy reaches Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Dibil despite obstacles
