Over the past 18 months, the United Arab Emirates has extradited 11 suspects to the Netherlands — a sharp increase after years of reluctance, broadcaster NOS reported on Monday.

For years, dozens of Dutch suspects lived freely in Dubai but that changed after the Netherlands signed an extradition treaty with the UAE in 2023.

Three suspects were handed over last year and eight so far in 2025. “This is not a spike but the new trend,” said public prosecution department official Ferry van Veghel. “Whatever crime you’ve committed, going to Dubai no longer means you’re out of reach.”

Among those extradited are suspects linked to major organised crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering. They include a son of Ridouan Taghi, footballer Quincy Promes, Delft rapper Fatah and a shadow banker accused of moving millions for criminal networks.

Extraditions are still slow, often taking more than a year, as suspects can appeal against court decisions. But cooperation is improving and a Dutch prosecutor is now based in the Emirates to support requests, NOS said.

In one recent case, vlogger Alex Soze was arrested in August and sent back within weeks to serve a sentence for assault.

Lawyers for suspects in Dubai are now contacting prosecutors to negotiate plea deals and voluntary returns, the broadcaster said. Some have reportedly fled the country, even smuggling themselves out in shipping containers.

The prosecution department says it is watching other destinations where fugitives might settle, such as Morocco and West Africa. The Netherlands is now negotiating an extradition treaty with Morocco to ensure Dutch suspects can no longer escape justice there either.