Son of notorious crime lord handed over by Dubai Police for extradition to the Netherlands

Faisal Taghi was arrested in September last year for money laundering as well as drug and human trafficking

Faisal Taghi was extradited to the Netherlands last week by authorities in Dubai. Photo: Dubai Police

The son of one of Europe's most wanted crime lords, who was arrested in Dubai last year, has been handed over to Dutch authorities by police in the emirate.

Faisal Taghi, 24, was arrested in September for drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking and being a leader of the “Angels of Death” crime gang.

His father, Ridouan Taghi, 46, who ran the same gang, was arrested by Dubai Police in 2019 in connection with 11 murders.

Faisal Taghi was captured following an international operation with Interpol and authorities in his native Netherlands.

He was handed over to Dutch authorities last week.

“This follows our strategic goals to enhance deep and robust relations between the UAE and various countries in combatting all forms of crime,” said Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, commander in chief of Dubai Police.

His arrest last year came after the warrant from the Dutch authorities reached the International Co-operation Department of the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Dubai Police said they were thanked by the Dutch Prime Minister for their role in apprehending Faisal Taghi.

“His Excellency Dick Schoof, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has commended the UAE's efforts and security co-operation, through the Dubai Police, in extraditing Faisal Taghi, a high-value target criminal wanted by Dutch authorities,” Dubai Police said.

“Schoof further expressed his appreciation of the UAE and gratitude for the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.”

Faisal’s father, Ridouan, who has Dutch and Moroccan nationality, is believed to be behind a major cocaine smuggling operation at the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam.

He was linked to 11 murders after a drugs turf war in the country.

Police in the Netherlands had offered a reward of €100,000 (Dh409,000) for information leading to his arrest.

Ridouan, was sentenced to life in jail for his part in a murderous campaign in the Netherlands, which prosecutors called a “well-oiled killing machine”.

He was one of Europe's most-wanted men when he was captured in Dubai in 2019.

During his trial, one of the largest in the Netherlands’ legal history, Taghi and 16 alleged members of a drugs cartel faced six counts of murder and attempted murders – including ordering at least 13 hits – between 2015 and 2017, mainly against people suspected of becoming police informants.

Three of them received life sentences, including Taghi.