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As if James Dua-Wiafi and Stanley Kundishora’s widely reported ordeal wasn’t sufficient warning, a THIRD Londoner has just fallen prey to a rental car agency demanding £30,000 in return for his passport. When will this end? Like many other Brits escaping strict lockdown measures, 23 year old plumber Nico Paraskeva, from Wembley, flew to Dubai on the 5th of January for a mini-break in the sun, where cafes and venues remain open. Nico and his friend rented a luxury Bentley for their fun in the sun. A day before their return to London life, things took a turn for the worse when Nico’s friend was driving the car alone and a bottle of water became jammed underneath the brakes, causing an accident. The car damage was mostly concentrated to the wheel, but Nico’s friend went to hospital for stitches. A report was filed with the police and it was deemed a “no fault” accident. Nico expected to have to come up with the excess fees for the agency, but was stunned when the agency demanded AED 150,000 (approximately £30,000) for the return of his passport. “It’s unbelievable. The car agency said we’d have to pay rental car fees for the entire time it takes to fix the car and have it back in action again” , Nico told Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who is representing him. “After the stunning demand for £30,000 pounds, their friends began researching and came across the case of James and Stanley, who we also represented. It was a different rental car agency, but almost the same demand: Give us an extortionate amount of money or we will hold your passport and keep you hostage in our country. “Nico’s girlfriend called. She hadn’t slept, beside herself with worry and his mother, who suffers from health problems, has been terribly stressed. They simply do not have 150,000 dirhams to give in to the demands of the car agency, and nor should they. “This is the second time in a matter of weeks that we have seen British citizens targeted by rental car companies in Dubai, illegally seizing their passports, and essentially holding them ransom. Obviously, Nico is not responsible for paying rental costs for the car during its repair; rather than simply accepting for their costs to be covered, the company is trying to make a profit from a blameless accident that put someone in hospital, and threatening Nico with a potential civil case which could leave him stranded in the UAE indefinitely. “When Nico approached the British Embassy for advice and assistance, they discouraged him from publicising his plight, despite the fact that James and Stanley were only freed to return to the UK last November precisely because of the media campaign we launched on their behalf. We understand that consular staff are communicating with the car agency, and we hope this outreach bears fruit, but it is irresponsible, in my view, for the embassy to warn citizens to keep quiet about injustices they face in the UAE. Frankly, this is something we have learned the embassy does routinely, and in our experience, it inevitably prolongs rather than helps resolve issues Brits endure with the Emirates’ legal system.” Listen to more Gulf in Justice Podcasts HERE Radha Stirling founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and has since helped and advised more than 15,000 foreign nationals facing trouble in the UAE. Stirling is an expert witness, civil and criminal justice specialist, legislative, investment risk, business and policy advisor to the public and private sectors, speaker and host of the Gulf in Justice Podcast , covering the region in depth.

Breaking News - ANOTHER Dubai Rental Car Extortion SCAM

As if James Dua-Wiafi and Stanley Kundishora’s widely reported ordeal wasn’t sufficient warning, a THIRD Londoner has just fallen prey to...

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The rules are rigged – what's earned in the UAE is likely to stay in the UAE – and the more successful you are, the higher the risk In the old story from the Arabian Nights, Ali Baba discovers a cave full of stolen treasure which can only be accessed by uttering a magic phrase. One needs the magic phrase to exit the cave as well, but, as the story goes, in the throes of greed and excitement over the treasures, people are prone to forget it, and they end up getting killed by the thieves. Israelis might want to bear this story in mind as the United Arab Emirates opens up to them with the magic words of the Abraham Accords. From an investor’s point of view, it is indeed a treasure trove of opportunity, immense wealth, and untapped potential. Like the character in the fable, however, many foreign investors become heady with the often-easy success they achieve in Dubai. They forget that they are in a highly dangerous place where exits can abruptly close, and they can find themselves trapped. I and my organization have become known for representing foreigners in the UAE who ran afoul of local customs, detained over minor infractions like alcohol consumption, taking snapshots at the wrong place, kissing in public, and so on. But, by far the greatest proportion of cases we handle involve business and financial disputes between foreign investors and local partners. The former types of cases reveal how easy it is to be arrested and prosecuted in the UAE on the basis of frivolous allegations; the latter reveal just how such a capricious legal system can be utilized against foreigners for predatory purposes to disastrous effect. A former senior adviser to one of the Emirati rulers told me in no uncertain terms that the attitude of the government is that “any money invested in the UAE, any money earned in the UAE, belongs to the UAE,” and the justice system is designed to ensure that this principle is upheld. Tens of thousands of Israelis are already flocking to Dubai, both as tourists and as professionals and investors looking to start new projects, careers, and to set up new lives. I fear they are rushing in with the naïve expectation that as long as they follow the rules, there’s no risk; but the rules are rigged. It is counter-intuitive, yet the more successful you are in the Emirates, the more vulnerable you become. Multimillion-dollar companies built up from nothing by foreigners are routinely appropriated by locals with the full complicity of the courts. False allegations, forged evidence, forced confessions, and a legal system overwhelmingly biased in favor of Emiratis, leave foreigners with little to do but watch themselves being railroaded. A single bounced check can land you in jail, or see you listed on Interpol like an international fugitive. Lest you think a bounced check can be avoided; no matter how conscientiously you may manage your company, standard practice in the UAE includes the issuance of security checks to landlords, suppliers, and creditors; and they can choose to submit these for payment at any time, regardless of the agreed-upon terms. Any foreign-owned company, and any joint venture between a foreigner and a local, are essentially captive prey. I would advise pursuing mutual investment projects whereby any local with whom you partner in the UAE also partners with you in Israel, to leverage against the Emiratis’ perennial option of nullifying your stake in the partnership. Whenever possible, contractually stipulate that any joint ventures should be arbitrated under Israeli jurisdiction. It has only been a matter of weeks, and we are already seeing allegations being cast against Israeli visitors to the UAE, from stealing hotel towels to smuggling drugs. The peace deal honeymoon is likely over, and it needs to be recognized that there are plenty of reasons why the UAE can be even more treacherous for Israelis than it is for the average foreign investor or tourist. While citizens of the UAE tend to embrace the position of their government, Emirati locals only make up a sliver of the total population in the UAE. The country is a hub for Arabs and Muslims from across the region, some of whom may harbor anti-Israeli sentiment. With just a single accusation of wrongdoing, a bitter anti-Semite may score his own personal victory against Israel by having you locked up. We have handled countless cases in which innocent people were spitefully targeted with false allegations for the pettiest of personal reasons by their accusers. In a region with historical animosity towards Israelis, the vulnerability to such vindictive legal abuse is all the greater. The Abraham Accords are a wonderful thing, but they did not reform the UAE. You must be aware of the enormous risks faced by foreigners, and particularly by Israelis, in the Emirates to ensure that the treasure cave does not become a tomb for your capital and your freedom. — For more, please listen to the Gulf in Justice podcast episode on this topic .

Investor beware: Israelis face unique risks in the UAE

The rules are rigged – what's earned in the UAE is likely to stay in the UAE – and the more successful you are, the higher the risk In...

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The Scot is now celebrating after Middle Eastern prosecutors dropped drug charges following a campaign backed by influential lawyer Radha Stirling and Kenny MacAskill MSP (Minister for Justice). Radha Stirling said the upcoming World Cup in the country forced prosecutors to drop charges in what would have been a 'potential PR nightmare for the state'. She said: "Qatar would not have wished for Conor to be arrested again in another country. "Such an arrest would have raised too much media alarm against the country that’s been under a lot of media scrutiny this year. “I am very happy we were able to bring Conor home and privileged to have helped him and his lovely family.” Read the full article at The Daily Record Website #RadhaStirling #ConorHoward #FreeConor #Qatar #doha #Greece #Interpol #Extradition #Australia #athens

Cannabis Grinder Scot jailed in Corfu celebrates New Year as drug charges dropped

The Scot is now celebrating after Middle Eastern prosecutors dropped drug charges following a campaign backed by influential lawyer Radha...

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A Scots grandad who was held as a 'debt hostage' in the Middle East after a cheque bounced has been allowed to return home in time for Christmas. Malcolm David Faren, from Dundee, was left sheltering in an abandoned building in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai after police seized his passport amid a court wrangle, meaning he was unable to work or leave the country. A Scots grandad who was held as a 'debt hostage' in the Middle East after a cheque bounced has been allowed to return home in time for Christmas. Malcolm David Faren, from Dundee, was left sheltering in an abandoned building in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai after police seized his passport amid a court wrangle, meaning he was unable to work or leave the country. The 63-year-old had been struggling on the streets for a year until he was given permanent shelter by a fellow group of Brits due to debt laws in the country. Radha Stirling said: “Malcolm's return to his family in the UK is a great victory, but his suffering highlights the urgent need for legal reform in Dubai. “Dubai's advertising campaign in the UK fails to advise potential expats that their relocation to the country might be one way ticket. "If they run into any issues whatsoever, such as being made redundant, they will be treated as criminals." Read the full story at The Daily Record

Scots grandad 'held hostage' in Dubai over bounced cheque returns home to family

A Scots grandad who was held as a 'debt hostage' in the Middle East after a cheque bounced has been allowed to return home in time for...

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“What an incredible year in so many ways, full of ups and downs, of setbacks and progress. We have seen such unprecedented abuses within the prisons, with the covid umbrella of protection against questions. We have seen governments and embassies overrun with pleadings for help, emergency repatriations and serious complaints of denial of medical and basic humanitarian services. “We have seen the most glorious reunions, with long term prisoners finally free to return home. Morag Koussa, Malcolm Faren, Melissa McBurnie, Alan Stevenson, Conor Howard and hundreds of others were able to spend this New Year at home, with their friends and families, thanks to our great work at Detained in Dubai. “Amazing progress has been made with our endeavours to make foreign governments and their agents accountable for their abuse of foreign nationals, with multiple litigious actions lodged in the US and English courts, as well as the United Nations. This groundbreaking and important work will lead to long term change in the gulf, ultimately protecting foreign nationals from egregious human rights violations and torture. “And, our efforts to end Interpol Abuse are stronger than ever, with the issue finally in front of legislators and policy makers, and a strong focus of the international media. Our “hands on” experience with Interpol abuse, removal of red notices, expert testimony and extradition defence has not only saved lives on a case by case basis, but has proven crucial to end Interpol’s corrupt and abusive practices. “We have lobbied for legislative reforms and the UAE government has finally responded, taking some steps to change local laws, particularly in relation to sex outside marriage, which previously had seen rape victims jailed. While many more reforms are needed in order to make the country safe, these changes are a sign of good faith and of future intentions. “And the biggest change of all this year, is in the UAE’s peace deal with Israel which will see major social and economical movements, and we are hopeful that these changes will be long term positive for stability in the region. “The overall and underlying issues in the UAE remain. Despite United Nations efforts, Princess Latifa and Princess Shamsa remain in captivity. The judiciary remains under the control of the ruling and Emirati elite. Foreigners continue to be seen as prey and their businesses and investments as gifts to exploitative locals and Interpol continues to be seen as a tool for punishment, spite, slander and extortion. We will continue to promote diplomatic and governmental diplomatic intervention in cases of wrongful detention and human rights violations and to spotlight cases in the international media. “We have launched our Podcast this year, Gulf in Justice, to fully explore specific cases, issues and policy in the Middle East. The Podcast has already been influential in ensuring the freedom of victims of injustice. “We will continue to fight for freedom, justice and permanent changes that will shield against future abuse and make the region a safer place for generations to come. “We wish you a joyous New Year and extend our hearts to all those who are detained, are missing their loved ones or are otherwise facing challenging times. May you take comfort in the hope that this coming year, will bring you your freedom, reunion with loved ones and a brighter, better experience. “Please follow us on social media and our YouTube channel for breaking news” Facebook Gulf in Justice Detained in Dubai Radha Stirling

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and host of Gulf in Justice, wishes a Happy New Year!

“What an incredible year in so many ways, full of ups and downs, of setbacks and progress. We have seen such unprecedented abuses within...

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... Radha Stirling , who founded the advocacy group Detained in Dubai , said the fear of losing expats and investors has triggered the legal reforms. "It's a marketing facade," she said. "I see that the UAE is extremely desperate at the moment." ...Radha Stirling said the high-profile cases showed that even if laws protected women, the prevailing culture ensured they were not followed. "If we can't protect people who are Royals how are we going to sell it to society that we do care about women?" she said. "They're not setting a good example." Read the full article, "The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its 'antiquated' legal system" at the ABC News Australia website

The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its legal system

...Radha Stirling, who founded the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, said the fear of losing expats and investors has triggered the legal...

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Miami accountant, Danielle Jeffries, 58, had hoped she’d be home this Christmas to see her 93 year old mother who had just survived coronavirus, but she remains stuck in the United Arab Emirates. Danielle is the latest American to face the Dubai justice system where she’s been sentenced to jail, a hefty fine and deportation for petty crimes she didn’t commit. But with the newly agreed Israel - UAE peace deals, Danielle hopes the US government will finally intervene in her case. “The UAE is one of the USA's strongest allies in the Middle East and even more so, with the new Abraham Accord”, said Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai who is representing Ms Jeffries, “The US has previously assisted Americans who faced some unbelievable situations in Dubai, managing to have them returned home. With the new peace deals, relations between the countries are stronger than ever, and Danielle hopes this may lead to a diplomatic resolution to what has been a real life nightmare. Full Background Information Here “The unanswered question is whether the peace deals will improve human rights in the region or encourage nations to turn a blind eye to violations”. “Danielle Jeffries, from the University of Pennsylvania, had no idea that working in Dubai could end up with her detention over something so petty, that she didn’t even do. Danielle had intended to start her own accountancy firm and hired a legally required, professional administrator to set it up. He didn’t do the paperwork correctly which, astonishingly, is a criminal offence in Dubai, and Danielle was held responsible for his actions even though she had nothing to do with them. “It’s a ridiculous situation. It’s an egregious violation against a US citizen that will see her locked up if this is not diplomatically resolved. Danielle’s situation has been raised with the Emirati ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Oitaiba, who declined to get involved. He told her to simply pay the fine, a fine she can’t afford for a crime she didn’t commit. He didn’t even mention the prison sentence. Is this really how the UAE is going to treat innocent foreign citizens of their allies? Is this how they will treat their new friends, the Israelis?” Without evidence of wrongdoing, Danielle Jeffries has been sentenced to a fine of AED 150,000 (apx. US $40,000), three months imprisonment and deportation. She cannot pay the $40,000 fine and will therefore be stuck in Dubai indefinitely, without a work permit or ability to earn money. She will never be able to leave. Danielle was interviewed by Radha Stirling on the Gulf in Justice Podcast. Miami Herald: Miami Gardens Woman has been trapped in Dubai for nearly two years over alleged forgery Danielle's friends have set up a fundraiser to help raise money for the fine . Fundraising is illegal in Dubai, so overseas friends and family have to make sure their loved one is not involved. Listen on Spotify: Detained in Dubai is an organisation founded in 2008 by Radha Stirling, a leading human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East. Stirling is a Criminal & Civil Justice Specialist, Expert Witness, Speaker, Founder of Due Process International , Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , Gulf Investment Monitor and the Gulf in Justice Podcast . Veteran Middle East justice expert Radha Stirling launched her podcast Gulf in Justice in August 2020. Stirling has helped more than fifteen thousand clients over her thirteen years with organisation Detained in Dubai, which she founded in 2008. Gulf in Justice discusses up to date topical issues, interviewing a variety of guests and promoting change in the region. Detained in Dubai is an organisation that campaigns against judicial abuse in the UAE and Gulf region on behalf of expats and tourists, its founder and CEO, Radha Stirling, is the leading international commentator on the justice systems in the Gulf, a pioneer advocate for reform of Interpol, and a sought after analyst for Western policy makers. The crisis management group has a team and network of highly experienced advocates, consultants, and negotiators to assist you or your company with legal matters, whether you are in the UAE or abroad. Their top priority is helping clients secure the best possible outcome to complex UAE legal issues, regardless of how the odds are stacked against them.

Will new peace deals help Miami woman detained in Dubai?

Miami accountant, Danielle Jeffries, 58, had hoped she’d be home this Christmas to see her 93 year old mother who had just survived...

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Gulf in Justice Podcast reveals Israelis keen to do business with the UAE might be jumping in the deep end, risking their reputations and even their lives. UAE expert Radha Stirling , discusses the issue in depth. Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, has warned Israelis who explore commercial relations in the UAE, could face untold risks that could see their life savings stolen, their businesses damaged or ruined, and could even see them winding up in one of the country's notorious prisons. Sean Hannity weighs in on celebrity promotion of the nation of contradictions in the new episode of Gulf in Justice. Stirling says “The UAE immediately embarked upon fresh campaigns directed at Israeli investors and businesses, hoping to entice entrepreneurs to expand their activities into the untapped Middle Eastern economy. And the Israeli commerce sector is equally excited for reciprocal trade and commerce, looking forward to openly accepting Arab investors into local activities. “Israeli Banks and financial institutions are excited to work with banks in the Emirates and according to the Senior Vice President of Bank Hapoalim, are already in discussions. But banks in the UAE have a long and sinister history and existing Israeli banks who partner with them may end up sharing in the reputational damage that they attract, as they steal foreign investment, land, jail customers or report them to Interpol. On the other hand, the normalisation of dealings may force UAE banks to rise to international standards of process. “In reality, both scenarios are likely to run contemporaneously, as they struggle to merge ideas and practices. Ultimately, I expect that things will improve, but not without teething issues that will last for years and decades. “Israelis are likely to feel a sense of confidence to deal with banks, especially with a push from their own country. This confidence and hope is likely to overshadow any doubt or fear and like many before them, they will only find out about the threats of investing in the UAE, when it is too late. “I founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and have seen quite literally, thousands of quite terrifying actions and campaigns against investors and entrepreneurs, who are the most vulnerable people in the UAE. “The Israeli media is only just beginning their investigations into endless abuses against foreigners and few will pay attention to what is seen as negative, in the face of more uplifting events like the UAE-Israel Digital Economy Summit which took place this month. “The devastating effects of covid lockdowns throughout the world has made both countries even more eager to explore and Joseph Dov Kohan of Kramer Electronics said this couldn’t have come at a better time. The issue comes when mutual enthusiasm overshadows due diligence and risk assessment. Individuals and businesses can end up severely damaged, with huge financial losses, and in the UAE quite commonly, mistakes can lead to jail for the officers of the companies. Israelis have simply not experienced this yet but it is inevitable that they will. “Enthusiasm and let’s say, recklessness, is a trait of many successful entrepreneurs, and much innovation around the world. But when it comes to the Middle East, this “go getter” attitude can mean the end of business and innovation, and even complete and utter ruin to the tune of hundreds of millions. And the more successful one is, the more likely they are to be targeted by experienced locals, some of whom have amassed their fortunes by screwing over foreign investors. “The British, the Americans, Australians and Europeans have all been victims of systemic business and investment theft, made possible by a non-independent judiciary that is more of a tool of legal abuse for powerful Emiratis. Put it this way, if gambling on legal outcomes in the UAE were a thing, you can always bet on the local and it’s not because they are wiser or more knowledgeable, but because of the corruption that encapsulates the entire law enforcement apparatus, established to benefit Emiratis, who are actually a minority group in their own country. “Trade advocates are encouraging Israelis to respect Emirati culture to avoid issues. The Brits, though, have been in alliance with the UAE for decades. But the UAE is still the most likely place for British nationals to run into legal trouble abroad. We are not talking about Brits who have committed serious crimes or those who have been offensive, ungracious or disrespectful. We are talking specifically about those Brits, whether tourists, expats or investors, who have been abused by Emiratis. We are talking about rape victims who were jailed for sex outside marriage, about Scott Richards for supporting a charity on facebook, Laleh Shahravesh for calling someone “horse face” from outside of the jurisdiction of the UAE and those who have become indebted to a bank through no fault of their own, criminalised by a system designed to give banks a jail card to hold over struggling foreigners”. Ms Stirling discusses the potential risks to Israelis, issues pertaining to free speech, the UAE’s cybercrime and social media laws, the persecution of minority groups and the serious risk to businessmen and investors. Detained in Dubai is an organisation founded in 2008 by Radha Stirling, leading human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East. Stirling is a Criminal & Civil Justice Specialist, Expert Witness, Speaker, Founder of Due Process International, Detained in Dubai, IPEX Reform, Gulf Investment Monitor and the Gulf in Justice Podcast. Veteran Middle East justice expert Radha Stirling launched her podcast Gulf in Justice in August 2020. Stirling has helped more than fifteen thousand clients over her thirteen years with organisation Detained in Dubai , which she founded in 2008. Gulf in Justice discusses up to date topical issues, interviewing a variety of guests and promoting change in the region. Detained in Dubai is an organisation that campaigns against judicial abuse in the UAE and Gulf region on behalf of expats and tourists, its founder and CEO, Radha Stirling, is the leading international commentator on the justice systems in the Gulf, a pioneer advocate for reform of Interpol, and a sought after analyst for Western policy makers. Listen to the Gulf in Justice Podcast on Spotify: Or Listen on the Gulf in Justice Website: Email: info@detainedindubai.org Phone: +442070606900 Whatsapp: +447752639948

Israelis sold the elusive “Dubai dream” could be walking into a nightmare - Gulf in Justice Podcast

Gulf in Justice Podcast reveals Israelis keen to do business with the UAE might be jumping in the deep end, risking their reputations and...

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Discussed: RISKS to Israelis keen to invest in Dubai - Sean Hannity weighs in. The Israeli commerce sector is excited for reciprocal trade and commerce, looking forward to openly accepting Arab investors into local activities. But what does the future hold for unsuspecting Israelis? What are the risks of doing business in the UAE? Sean Hannity weighs in on celebrity promotion of Dubai. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai and the Gulf in Justice Podcast discusses Israel - UAE peace deals and investment risks. Gulf in Justice Podcasts Episodes Here : Listen on Spotify: Follow on Facebook:

New Gulf in Justice Podcast Episode - Israeli’s and the lure of the Dubai "investment Dream"

Discussed: RISKS to Israelis keen to invest in Dubai - Sean Hannity weighs in. The Israeli commerce sector is excited for reciprocal...

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An Emirati’s potential appointment as Interpol head draws criticism The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of the interpol database, which is used to issue Red Warrants for arresting people in other countries. The Interpol’s credibility is once again on the line as a top Emirati cop is vying to become the head of the international police agency. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed that its police chief, Major General Nasser Ahmed al Raisi, be appointed for a four-year term as the next head of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol). “This is a mockery of Interpol if they appoint him as a director,” says Radha Stirling , founder of the consultancy Detained in Dubai , which helps people facing issues with the UAE law. The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of the Interpol database and is behind regular issuance of the Red Notices, she tells TRT World . Raisi already sits on an Interpol executive committee and the UAE will host the next general assembly where the decision for the next Interpol head will be announced. Issued by Interpol from its headquarters in Lyon, France, a Red Notice is like an international arrest warrant that is circulated about its 194 member countries. Stirling, who has been helping people for 12 years in dealing with Red Notices made on the insistence of the UAE, says most of the cases involve credit card and mortgage defaults. The Notices are generally reserved for serious criminal offenders. But the UAE has increasingly used Interpol as an international debt collector. In some cases, people who have a Red Warrant against them don’t even know about it. They find out only when they are questioned or detained at border checks such as the immigration at airports. Over the years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Red Notices, aided by online communication, which has allowed governments to quickly share information. Another reason has to do with the increase in use of social media apps such as Twitter and Facebook that have magnified the voice of political dissidents who can spearhead their campaigns from other countries. Raisi’s proposal is particularly worrying for rights activists as he is accused of overseeing torture of people detained in the UAE. Matthew Hedges, a Durham University student from the UK, accuses Raisi of being directly involved in his torture. Hedges was detained for months after his arrest on spying charges for British intelligence. He was later freed. Crisis of credibility In recent years, fingers have been pointed at Interpol’s credibility especially after the arrest of its former head, Meng Hongwei , the first Chinese national to head the law enforcement outfit. Hongwei was a well-known Chinese police officer and involved in Beijing’s anti-graft efforts. But within two years of being appointed as Interpol director in 2016, he was arrested by the Chinese authorities for taking $2 million in bribes. He is facing more than 13 years in prison. Similarly, Jackie Selebi , a South African police officer had to step down as head of the global police force in 2008 after he was charged for taking bribes from a convicted drug trafficker. Besides having to deal with a reputational crisis because of controversial appointments, there has been a growing concern that countries with poor human rights record want the coveted post to go after political dissidents. Stirling says the public in the United States, UK and European countries could pressure their governments to break ties with Interpol if it decides to appoint Raisi as its head. “The only reason I see why UAE is being considered is because it is a major financial contributor. So it’s like it has made a bid for the job.” see more at TRT World: "An Emirati’s potential appointment as Interpol head draws criticism"

Interpol's credibility at stake, says founder of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling

An Emirati’s potential appointment as Interpol head draws criticism The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of the interpol database, which...

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Radha Stirling , Mr Stevenson's lawyer and the founder and chief executive of London-based Detained in Dubai , said he was a victim of “abuse” of international police agency Interpol's arrest-warrant system over a debt with the Qatar National Bank he insisted he had not incurred. She added that “no evidence was produced or provided to the Czech courts” to back up an extradition request from Qatar. Ms Stirling said: “Alan Stevenson's case should be a watershed moment for Interpol reform and human rights compliance. “Alan's case is emblematic of what has been happening with ever greater frequency from the Gulf states. “Interpol has been hijacked by authoritarian regimes around the world who abuse the red notice system to persecute political opponents, dissidents, independent journalists, and private individuals over financial disputes.” Read more at The Royal Gazette: "Stevenson detention ‘an abuse of his rights’" https://www.radhastirling.com/ www.detainedindubai.org

Stirling talks Interpol reform with Royal Gazette

Radha Stirling, Mr Stevenson's lawyer and the founder and chief executive of London-based Detained in Dubai, said he was a victim of...

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Interpol has come under increased scrutiny over the past decade, as countries notorious for human rights violations, have abused their membership with Interpol to expand their powers of arrest beyond their borders, resulting in countless arrests that never should have happened. Interpol and Extradition Expert Radha Stirling , who founded Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , and the Gulf in Justice Podcast , has been the most outspoken critic of Interpol since she took on her first case of “Interpol abuse” in 2008. Stirling has worked closely with policy and legislative advisors, think tanks and political figures in Washington DC, to encourage the United States to demand policy changes within Interpol that would stop corruption, pay to play scenarios, Interpol abuse, and the misuse of Interpol by countries like China, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi, Bahrain and Qatar who are notorious for abusing the crime organisation by listing journalists, dissidents, debtors and those who individuals seek to harass or extort on the red notice database. After recent reports that an Emirati accused of human rights abuses and torture was being considered for appointment as the President of Interpol, the Heritage Foundation published a white paper by Ted R. Bromund, PhD encouraging the United States to promote democratic leadership within Interpol. Radha Stirling, who just fought off a Qatar extradition request of a Scottish man for carrying a legal herb grinder from Australia to the UK, commented on the progress “It’s clear that the United States government is taking the issue of Interpol Abuse seriously. “US citizens who have been listed on Interpol’s red notice database have been allowed to enter the USA without being detained.  In fact, airport authorities have advised Interpol “fugitives” to deal with the red notice and be careful traveling to other countries in the meantime.  These actions alone show the US government is aware and authorities are briefed that Interpol notices from the Middle East should not be taken too seriously. “Sadly, not all countries are as informed.  In other cases of Interpol abuse, we have seen innocent victims locked up in foreign prisons for weeks, months and even in excess of a year as they fight protracted extradition proceedings.  Even when they are ultimately released, they are not compensated.  Where the red notice was found to be abusive, all Interpol has done is remove the notice.  They have not compensated the victim and nor have they sanctioned or terminated the membership of the abusive country. “I’m pleased think tanks like the influential DC based Heritage Foundation are supporting our calls for reform.  Heritage has called for the US to pressure a democratic process to elect the President of Interpol from “law abiding” democracies.  This would hopefully eliminate Interpol’s tendency to appoint leaders from oppressive regimes like China and the UAE who are notorious for serious Interpol abuse and human rights violations. “Heritage supports our opposition to the appointment of the UAE’s Major General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi as President, which would make an absolute mockery of the already damaged reputation of Interpol. “Scandals, corruption, donations from countries with atrocious human rights records, with the Chinese former President’s arrest, with the Hakeem Al Araibi  ordeal, with  Robert Urwin , Alan Stevenson , Conor Howard and now the appointment of an Emirati General accused of torture, the organisation can not take much more before it is abandoned by members like the United States. “Interpol’s integrity is at the cliff’s edge, and the appointment of Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi would topple it right over. “With increasing support in the United States for reform, change is inevitable if the organisation is to survive.”

US urged to promote democratic leadership in Interpol

Interpol has come under increased scrutiny over the past decade, as countries notorious for human rights violations, have abused their...

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