The new judicial assistance treaty between Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) approved by the Senate on October 3, 2018, will allow Italy to ask for the extradition of ”at least nine people wanted by the Italian judiciary” on charges including mafia association, money laundering, drug trafficking and tax fraud.

Davide Mattiello, a former MP with the Democratic Left party who sponsored the treaty during the previous legislature, stated that fugitives wanted by Italy who are currently in Dubai and Abu Dhabi include Amedeo Matacena, a former lawmaker for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, convicted on charges of external mafia association. Gianfranco Tulliani, brother-in-law of former rightwing leader Gianfanco Fini, is also wanted on money laundering charges. ”Starting today, Italy will be able to officially ask for their extradition”, said Mattiello.