Business crime

Extradition

Our business crime team has extensive experience advising individuals facing extradition requests, INTERPOL Red Notices, and mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests.

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Our extradition team is driven by experienced and dedicated solicitors, including Anthony Hanratty, who is recognised for his deep knowledge and commitment to client service.

Chambers
2025

If you are accused or convicted of a criminal offence in another jurisdiction, you may be subject to extradition proceedings—even if no formal extradition treaty exists between the UK and the requesting country.

Our internationally recognised lawyers have a strong track record in extradition defence, working with a trusted global network of advisers to provide strategic legal solutions.

Where an extradition request is made, we advise on every stage of the process, from pre-arrest preparatory work (including preparing a full bail package), through to substantive hearing and, if necessary, any appeal. Our lawyers will advise on all available challenges to extradition and have represented clients before the UK Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. 

We have successfully defended extradition requests from a wide range of jurisdictions, including the USA, Russia, UAE, India, Canada, and most EU countries, with a particular expertise in requests concerning allegations of financial crime, and where political motivation or human rights issues are at play.

Our team works closely with Human Rights, Immigration, Family, and Reputation Management specialists, ensuring a comprehensive legal strategy for clients facing complex cross-border legal challenges.

Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) 

As global law enforcement cooperation increases, individuals and businesses may find themselves subject to MLA requests, including:

  • Demands for bank records, digital data & business documents
  • Freezing and seizure of assets
  • Requests for interviews 

Our team advises on challenging MLA requests and developing risk management strategies when information must be disclosed to a foreign jurisdiction.

INTERPOL Red Notices

An INTERPOL Red Notice can severely restrict international travel, professional reputation, and financial standing. We provide:

  • Pre-emptive legal strategies to prevent Red Notices from being issued.
  • Challenges & removal applications for unfair or politically motivated Red Notices.

Our lawyers have a proven track record of successfully challenging INTERPOL alerts, ensuring clients regain their freedom of movement and professional credibility.

FAQs you might have about extradition, MLA and INTERPOL Red Notices:

  • What is extradition, and when can it happen?

    Extradition is the formal process of requesting the transfer of a person from one territory to another to stand trial or to serve a sentence. If someone is accused, or has been convicted, of an offence abroad, a request can be made to the UK for the extradition of that person under an extradition treaty or special arrangement.

  • Can extradition be challenged?

    Yes. Extradition requests can be challenged on grounds such as:

    • Human rights violations (e.g., risk of torture or unfair trial).
    • Political motivation behind the request.
    • Double criminality (the conduct alleged in the requesting country must also be an offence in the UK).
    • Double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same offence).
     
  • What is an INTERPOL Red Notice, and how does it affect me?

    A Red Notice is an alert issued by INTERPOL at the request of a government, flagging an individual as wanted for extradition. It can restrict international travel, appear in due diligence checks, and damage your professional reputation.

  • Can a Red Notice be removed?

    Yes. We can challenge a Red Notice if it is:

    • Politically motivated 
    • Is incompatible with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
    • Lacks sufficient evidence 
    •  Arises from a civil dispute
     
  • What is Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA)?

    MLA allows law enforcement agencies to share information across borders, often leading to:

    • Requests for financial records, digital data & personal information
    • Seizure or freezing of assets
    • Extradition requests
  • What should I do if I receive an MLA request?

    Seek legal advice immediately. Responding incorrectly can expose you to criminal liability or unnecessary risk. We can assess the request and develop a legal strategy to protect your rights.

Recent Experience