September 2, 2025
El-Khouri v Government of the United States of America [2025] UKSC 3 (12 February 2025)
In an extradition request from the US, the Supreme Court considered whether alleged bribery of a Lebanese official met the UK's dual criminality test. The court held that a foreign official acting corruptly is still acting in their public capacity. Facts The Government of the United States of America requested the extradition of the appellant, Mr El-Khouri, a dual Lebanese and United Kingdom national, to face trial for offences of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The allegations concern a ‘kickback’ scheme related to a contract between a US telecommunications company, American Tower Systems (ATS), and the Lebanese
