Interpol operation leads to extradition of 12 Uzbek nationals from UAE

Twelve individuals wanted by law enforcement were extradited to Uzbekistan from the United Arab Emirates as a result of joint efforts between the National Central Bureaus of Interpol in Uzbekistan and Abu Dhabi, with the support of the UAE police. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan's press service.

During a virtual meeting with Arab counterparts, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation for operational-search activities aimed at identifying and extraditing fugitives. Confirmation was received regarding the extradition of three individuals wanted for various crimes. It was also proposed to hold an in-person meeting upon the arrival of a monitoring group in the UAE to determine next steps.

Constructive discussions were held with the leadership of the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Police regarding Uzbek criminal suspects hiding and operating in the UAE. In the initial part of the meeting, both Uzbek and Arab officials exchanged lists of wanted individuals and suspects.

In the second part of the meeting, Interpol representatives from Tashkent reached an agreement with their counterparts on the extradition of 12 wanted individuals to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“These individuals will be handed over to the country’s judicial authorities to stand trial and receive appropriate punishment,” the statement reads.

It should be noted that earlier, under the supervision of the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Uzbekistan, a citizen wanted for human trafficking who had been hiding in Turkey for an extended period was extradited from Istanbul to Tashkent through Interpol channels.