Quincy Promes: Dutch Football Sensation Arrested in Dubai for Drug Trafficking Charges
Renowned Dutch football sensation Quincy Promes, recently convicted in absentia for drug trafficking in the Netherlands, has been apprehended in Dubai following a legal request from Dutch authorities for his extradition. The arrest, facilitated by his legal representation, sheds light on the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the high-profile soccer player.
Leading European soccer player Quincy Promes, who was convicted in absentia for drug smuggling last month in the Netherlands, has been arrested in Dubai at the request of Dutch prosecutors who are seeking his extradition, according to his lawyers.
Promes, known for playing as a forward with major European clubs Ajax, Sevilla, and now Spartak Moscow, was convicted in absentia to six years in prison. This came after Dutch prosecutors successfully argued that he played a central role in a drug trafficking operation that smuggled around 1,360 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil to the Netherlands in 2020 through two separate incidents.
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (13639705bm) Quincy Promes of Spartak Moscow looks on during warm-up ahead of the Russian Cup match between FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and FC Spartak Moscow on November 27, 2022 at Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Zenit St. Petersburg v Spartak Moscow - Russian Cup, Saint Petersburg - 27 Nov 2022
Quincy Promes from Spartak Moscow is pictured here during warm-up before the Russian Cup match against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg on November 27, 2022, at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The image captures the moment as the players prepare for the game. This match between Zenit St. Petersburg and Spartak Moscow is a significant event in the Russian Cup competition.
Mike Kireev/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
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This soccer star has received a six-year prison sentence for trafficking cocaine, but he is currently still playing.
Promes' Dutch lawyers stated on the company's website that the extradition process must now be finalized in the United Arab Emirates.
An independent judge in Dubai will now decide on the Dutch extradition request. Extradition proceedings can often be lengthy and involve various formal steps and requirements. This process is typical in both Dubai and the Netherlands. It is difficult to predict the outcome or duration of the extradition procedure at this stage.
The 32-year-old came to Dubai in January with Spartak Moscow for training during the Russian soccer winter break.
CNN has reached out to the Dubai Police, Spartak Moscow, and Promes’ PR representative for their comments.
Promes’ lawyers have stated that he denied the drug trafficking charges and plans to appeal the six-year sentence. CNN has reached out to Promes’ lawyers for their response to his arrest in Dubai.
According to Reuters, Promes was previously convicted in absentia for stabbing his cousin in the knee. Prosecutors revealed that he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for this incident.
Promes celebrates after scoring for Spartak Moscow in a Europa League group C match against SSC Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 30, 2021 in Naples, Italy.
Promes is seen celebrating his goal for Spartak Moscow in a Europa League group C game against SSC Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 30, 2021 in Naples, Italy.
Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
‘Staying in luxury in Dubai’
The Amsterdam Public Prosecution office stated on Wednesday that a 32-year-old man from Moscow was arrested in Dubai. The arrest was based on a Red Notice issued by the Netherlands. Red Notices are requests for law enforcement to locate and temporarily detain a suspect.
According to several media reports, the man who was arrested was living in luxury in Dubai. The Amsterdam Public Prosecution office stated that he has been apprehended due to the collaboration between authorities in both countries.
Dutch prosecutors mentioned that they are unable to share more details at the moment to prevent any interference with the ongoing investigation.
Promes made 50 appearances for the Netherlands national team. According to Transfermarkt, a reputable website, his transfer value reached $26 million at one stage in his career.
Dutch prosecutors stated to CNN that the Netherlands will officially seek extradition. The extradition process will be determined by the laws of the UAE.
Once the UAE agrees to the extradition request, the Netherlands will make arrangements for the transfer of the individual. Promes' contract with Spartak Moscow is set to end in June 2024, as reported by Transfermarkt.
Previously the Russian club did not respond to CNN’s request for comment as to whether Spartak will continue to play Promes in matches or extend his contract.
Editor's P/S:
The arrest of Quincy Promes in Dubai highlights the global reach of law enforcement in pursuing drug trafficking suspects. Promes' alleged involvement in smuggling 1,360 kilograms of cocaine is a serious offense that warrants prosecution, regardless of his status as a renowned soccer player. The Dutch authorities' efforts to extradite him underscore their determination to bring criminals to justice, even those who seek refuge in distant jurisdictions.
It's important to note that Promes has denied the charges against him and plans to appeal the six-year sentence imposed in absentia. The extradition process will likely involve legal challenges and due process, which will determine his ultimate fate. While Promes' soccer career may be in jeopardy, the outcome of this case will send a strong message that no one is above the law, even high-profile athletes.
