News item | 18-12-2023 | 8:00 pm
The Netherlands and Morocco are strengthening the joint approach to cross-border organized crime. Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of Justice and Security today signed a bilateral extradition treaty with the Minister of Justice of Morocco, Abdellatif Ouahbi. With the help of this treaty, cooperation in the fight against international (drug) crime will be further strengthened.
“Organized crime knows no borders. International criminal networks operate ruthlessly to further their illegal activities involving arms, drugs and human trafficking. Criminals are rapidly shifting their smuggling routes and illegally earned money is being stashed abroad for laundering. The world is getting smaller every day. Also for our investigation services, which are working increasingly closely with other countries internationally to prevent criminals from feeling safe across the border. With this extradition treaty, we strengthen the good relationship we have built with Morocco and further intensify the joint fight against international organized crime,” said Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius.
The bilateral extradition treaty with Morocco makes it easier for suspects and convicted persons to be extradited for criminal proceedings or to serve a sentence that has already been imposed. The treaty broadens the number of facts for which extradition is possible between both countries and specific agreements have been made on procedures, so that more and more efficient cooperation is possible. The extradition treaty will be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval before the summer of next year.
In 2010, a bilateral treaty was concluded between the Netherlands and Morocco on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Since then, legal assistance traffic has grown. This includes agreements about obtaining evidence and interviewing suspects and witnesses. Bank accounts, goods and profits derived from illegal practices can also be seized and further investigated. Cooperation between investigative services from both countries received an extra boost this year when negotiations on an extradition treaty began. For example, it was agreed today to continue discussions about strengthening the approach to criminal assets, underground banking and money laundering. In this way, criminal networks can be further exposed and rolled up.