Italy will be able to ask for the
extradition of ''at least nine people wanted by the Italian
judiciary'' on charges including mafia association, drug
trafficking, money laundering and tax fraud under a new judicial
assistance treaty between Rome and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) approved by the Senate on Wednesday, one of the treaty's
promoters said.
Davide Mattiello, a former MP with the Democratic Left party
who sponsored the treaty during the previous legislature as a
member of the Lower House's justice and anti-Mafia commissions
said fugitives wanted by Italy who are currently in Dubai and
Abu Dhabi include businessman Amedeo Matacena, a former lawmaker
for Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, who has been
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.
photo: Tulliani
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