The UK runs two distinct extradition tracks under the Extradition Act 2003, and a separate but related process for INTERPOL notices. Which one applies to you changes everything about your defense.
A streamlined process for requests from countries within the UK’s fast-track framework. Narrower grounds to resist, and a compressed timeline.
A fuller judicial process. Depending on the requesting country’s designation, this can require the equivalent of a prima facie case to be shown.
The governing statute for any request made to the UK to surrender someone located here, as amended by subsequent legislation.
Where every UK extradition case opens — bail, identity, and scheduling are dealt with here, though it is rarely where the case is ultimately decided.
UK courts will only bar extradition on specific statutory grounds. None of these apply automatically — each depends heavily on the facts of your case.
The Crown Prosecution Service and National Crime Agency issue the request, often alongside an INTERPOL notice or diffusion.
The case is decided in the courts of wherever the person is located, applying that country’s own extradition law and treaty obligations.
A UK lawyer has no standing before a foreign court. Representation there falls to a lawyer licensed in that jurisdiction.
We advise on the UK side of the matter, liaise with UK authorities, and work together with the network lawyer where the case is actually being heard.
Where UK authorities request an INTERPOL notice for someone abroad, in support of a request to bring them to the UK.
Where a foreign notice concerns someone travelling through or living in the UK, with knock-on effects for banking, immigration status, or travel.
Notices can be challenged before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files regardless of your location. See our full CCF appeal guide →
Extradition FROM the UK means someone here is wanted elsewhere, and a UK court hears the case. Extradition TO the UK means UK authorities want someone located abroad, and a foreign court hears it instead.
Yes. Representation is provided by the network lawyer admitted to practice in the relevant jurisdiction, working together with the rest of the network on strategy.
Category 1 cases can resolve in weeks to a few months. Category 2 cases, particularly with appeals, can run a year or more. Timelines vary significantly by case.
Generally the alleged conduct must satisfy a dual criminality test, though the exact requirements differ between Category 1 and Category 2 requests.
Yes — appeal rights run to the High Court, on a strict and short deadline, which is why early legal advice matters so much.
Speak with us confidentially before your next hearing or deadline.