Extradition Request to the People’s Republic of China. The Principle of double criminalityv

At the initiative of the competent authorities of the People’s Republic of China, they were placed on INTERPOL’s international wanted list and subsequently arrested in the Republic of Armenia. The Chinese authorities alleged that the clients had participated in the organization and operation of online casinos targeting the territory of the People’s Republic of China and submitted extradition requests to the Republic of Armenia seeking their surrender. The defense’s legal position was based on the principle of double criminality. The defense argued that one of the mandatory requirements for extradition was absent, as the conduct for which the clients were being prosecuted in China did not constitute a criminal offence under the laws of the Republic of Armenia. During the court proceedings, the defense’s arguments were upheld. The courts confirmed that the organization and operation of online casinos do not, in themselves, constitute a criminal offence under the laws of the Republic of Armenia. In the absence of the requirement of double criminality, the extradition requests were denied, and none of the clients were extradited to the People’s Republic of China.

Applicable Legislation • Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Legal Assistance in Criminal Proceedings"; • Treaty on Extradition between the Republic of Armenia and the People's Republic of China.