Last week, Bassama Al Jandaly of gulfnews reported that an alleged Italian mafia head was detained in Duabai based on a Red Notice issued at the request of Italian authorities.  The suspect, Amadeo Matacena, is wanted in Italy for charges of colluding with the Italian mafia.

All news reports on this case indicate that local authorities in Dubai were alerted to Matacena’s arrival through its INTERPOL connections.  Normally, when a passenger manifest is inspected for a particular  flight, authorities have access to INTERPOL’s databases and are notified when a particular passenger is wanted by another country.  

In this case, the subject was detained at the airport and was arrested.  The Dubai Public Prosecution is handling the extradition request, and the subject was released on bail until extradition has been determined.

If his attorneys are successful in obtaining a denial of extradition, it is likely that INTERPOL will provide an addendum to the Red Notice against Mr. Matacena indicating the failed extradition.  If extradition is ultimately granted, then Mr. Matacena will be returned to Italy to face the pending charges.

As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.