Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Justice, and Annelies Verlinden, Belgian Minister of Justice, discussed the extradition of three individuals wanted by Belgian authorities during a phone call on Thursday.

The suspects were the subject of Red Notices issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and face charges related to money laundering, drug trafficking, and involvement with transnational organized crime groups.

The extradition process was conducted in accordance with judicial rulings and decisions issued by the competent judicial authorities in the UAE, pursuant to the extradition treaty signed between the UAE and Belgium.

The two ministers emphasized that the operation reflects the strong mutual commitment of both nations to the rule of law, the enhancement of international judicial cooperation, and the fight against transnational organized crime, particularly offenses involving money laundering and illicit drug trafficking.

They also highlighted the significance of this achievement, which underscores the robust legal and judicial partnership between the two countries and their shared dedication to bringing individuals accused of serious crimes to justice.

Al Nuaimi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening bilateral judicial cooperation with the Kingdom of Belgium. He noted the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational organized crime, dismantling money laundering networks, and pursuing financial criminals to enhance security, stability, and the rule of law at both regional and international levels.

He further praised the bilateral cooperation and close relations between the two countries, emphasizing the commitment of both parties to further enhancing judicial and legal ties, including the implementation of the extradition treaty.

Al Nuaimi noted that the UAE is dedicated to bolstering legal and judicial cooperation with countries worldwide and exchanging expertise in fields such as money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and organized crime to uphold the principles of justice.

The Belgian Minister of Justice expressed her deep appreciation to the UAE authorities for their ongoing efforts to strengthen mutual judicial cooperation, praising the role of the UAE’s judicial and law enforcement agencies throughout the extradition process.

Verlinden emphasized that this operation serves as a successful model for international cooperation in the global fight against transnational organized crime.