Canada actively cooperates with international organisations on matters of extradition and criminal law and enforcement. The extradition process in the requesting country is governed by local legislation, criminal law and international agreements. One of the key tools for this legal process is Interpol’s red notice.

Although Red Notices are not official arrest warrants, they pose a threat to an individual’s freedom. Therefore, it is crucial to seek qualified legal assistance as soon as possible. Our team of experienced extradition and other extradition partner, international criminal court and international criminal court defence, criminal lawyers, here in Canada investigation abroad has a deep understanding of international legal standards requesting jurisdiction and Interpol principles. We are ready to provide tailored and practical solutions for each specific case.

Extradition is a form of international cooperation in serious crime in which countries transfer individuals suspected of committing criminal offences to other countries for trial or to surrender order to serve a sentence imposed by foreign jurisdiction for criminal offence.

In Canada, extradition can be requested from foreign authorities for the crime or following crime or groups of crimes:

The procedure begins with an official request for extradition, which is sent to the Canadian authorities by a foreign state. This request must contain sufficient evidence to justify the extradition, as well as comply with the conditions of the extradition agreement concluded between the countries.

Upon receiving a request, the Canadian Minister of Justice reviews its legality. If the minister of justice request contravenes fundamental human rights, it will be rejected at the initial stage of extradition hearing.

The extradition request goes through a Canadian court, where the presence of sufficient evidence for the individual’s extradition is assessed in superior court. The judge evaluates what evidence establishes the grounds for suspicion of committing the crime for which extradition to requesting country is requested.

During legal proceedings in foreign court, lawyers representing clients can challenge the legality of extradition on the grounds of insufficient evidence, human rights violations, or other legal reasons in foreign jurisdiction.

After the supreme court ruling, lawyers across the country and Justice Minister makes the final decision on extradition.

Extradition treaties are international agreements that govern the procedure for transferring individuals accused or convicted in foreign country of crimes to requesting country. For extradition to a foreign jurisdiction to where extradition partner be carried out or fight extradition otherwise, there must be mutual circumstances stipulated in the treaty.

However, Canada does not have such agreements with some countries due to discrepancies in legal systems, the absence of diplomatic relations, or the risk of human rights violations.

Canada also does not have extradition treaties with the following countries: China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Algeria, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Belarus, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Laos.

International criminal law and legal matters require very experienced criminal lawyers, with special expertise and experience. Our Interpol law firm offers clients experienced lawyers and criminal lawyer with unique advantages that enable the effective resolution of the most complex and intricate of criminal law, criminal trials, and legal challenges we represent clients.

You should choose us to protect your interests for the following reasons:

Extradition law is a niche and complex area of jurisprudence that requires specialised skills and knowledge. Our extradition lawyers, London have huge experience and significant success in contesting extradition requests from EU countries and around the globe. Moreover, our team of experienced extradition lawyers is ready to provide expert assistance on extradition matters, international arrest warrants, and many other legal issues.

Extradition is a legal process during which foreign judicial bodies or governments request assistance from the UK authorities in arresting and returning an individual accused or suspected of committing a crime like drug trafficking back to their country. The extradition request can be made for two reasons: to serve a prison sentence or to stand trial.

Extradition proceedings in the UK are governed by several international treaties and domestic laws, including the Extradition Act 2003. However, extradition is only possible for serious crimes that are criminally punishable in both the requesting state and the UK.

The United Kingdom can extradite individuals for the following alleged offences: murder and other forms of premeditated homicide; rape and sexual offences; drug trafficking; terrorism and the financing of terrorist acts; fraud; money laundering; corruption; tax evasion; embezzlement of state funds; arms smuggling; human trafficking; cybercrimes; genocide; human rights violations like war crimes threat to national security.

The extradition process depends on the existence of a bilateral agreement between the UK and another state, adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights, and other procedural norms.

However, an extradition request can be contested on the following grounds:

To contest an extradition request, the requested person or their lawyers must submit an application to a British court. The judges assess the evidence presented by both sides and make the appropriate decision. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the defense can appeal extradition cases to higher authorities, including the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Earlier, we looked at the simplified extradition procedure for Category 1 countries. The process for Category 2 countries requires detailed examination.

Extradition requests from Category 2 countries are submitted to the Home Secretary and must include personal details of the individual sought, a detailed description of the crime, evidence of an arrest warrant or court conviction. The court reviews the request and, upon confirming its legitimacy, issues an arrest warrant.

At the initial hearing, the court must explain the extradition procedure to the person concerned, set a date for the final hearing on the extradition case, and consider the issue of bail release.

If the individual in question does not consent to extradition, a subsequent hearing on this matter will be conducted. At this hearing, the court will consider:

In the event that an extradition order is issued, the person in question may submit their objections to the Home Secretary within four weeks from the moment the case is passed to the Home Secretary. The case will be forwarded to the Home Secretary for a decision on whether to issue an extradition order.

If there are no legislative prohibitions on issuing a warrant, the Secretary of State will issue an extradition warrant for the person sought.

If legislative prohibitions are applicable, the Secretary of State will issue an order for the release of the person in question.

The United Kingdom has not entered into extradition treaties with some countries due to political disagreements, differences in legal systems, and other diplomatic reasons.

However, even in the absence of an extradition agreement, the UK can proceed with the extradition of a suspect or accused individual. In instances where a state doesn’t have an extradition arrangement with the UK, each specific case will be considered on its own merits rather than applying the general provisions of a treaty.

Since you reached out, our team of experienced extradition solicitors has been dedicated to simplifying the legal proceedings and developing the most effective defense strategy. Thanks to our extensive network of legal partners, we provide support and advice on international matters, regardless of where our client is located.

If you find yourself in a situation involving complex extradition cases, an Interpol red notice, or other international legal issues, our lawyers are ready to offer you professional legal support. Our experienced extradition lawyers possess all the necessary knowledge, experience, and resources to successfully resolve your case.

Contact us right now for a consultation and get realistic advice on any extradition matter. Our International solicitors ensure you get expert legal support at every stage of the case.