Kenyan authorities have deported a Lebanese national wanted for narcoterrorism and money laundering to the United States following a successful extradition process. The suspect, identified as Antoine Kassis, was handed over to US officials by the Anti-Narcotics Unit of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), marking the culmination of coordinated international law enforcement efforts.
Kassis was initially apprehended in early 2025 at a hotel in Kiambu County, a region situated on the outskirts of Nairobi. His arrest came after the DCI received a Red Notice from international law enforcement authorities in Washington, D.C., in addition to an arrest warrant issued by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. According to investigative authorities, Kassis had entered Kenya aboard a Qatar Airways flight prior to being located and detained.
Following his arrest, the suspect was placed in custody at the Gigiri Police Station in Nairobi, where he remained as the legal process for extradition unfolded. Over the subsequent weeks, Kenyan and US legal authorities worked in close coordination to process the necessary court documents and fulfill legal requirements for his transfer.
The legal proceedings culminated in a court order from the Milimani Magistrate’s Court, which approved the extradition under case number MCCR Misc/E1025/2025 dated April 16, 2025. The order was supported by a formal warrant of surrender issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on May 2, 2025. With all legal formalities satisfied, the suspect was officially handed over to a team comprising Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents and a senior Kenyan prosecutor.
This case highlights the growing effectiveness of international cooperation in combating transnational crime, especially in areas involving narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. Authorities emphasized that such cooperation plays a crucial role in safeguarding national and global security and ensuring that individuals engaged in illicit activities face justice, regardless of where they seek refuge.
Kenya has recently intensified its efforts to combat international organized crime, positioning itself as a reliable partner in the global fight against drug trafficking and terrorism financing. This extradition serves as a clear message to international criminals that Kenya is not a safe haven for fugitives. The DCI reiterated its unwavering commitment to working with both local and global law enforcement agencies to apprehend and extradite suspects involved in serious crimes.
Law enforcement officials in Kenya noted that this latest operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling networks that manufacture, distribute, and profit from illicit drugs. The crackdown also extends to financial crimes, including money laundering, which are often interlinked with narcotics trafficking and terrorist financing.
In conclusion, the successful extradition of Antoine Kassis underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in law enforcement. It demonstrates Kenya’s dedication to upholding international justice agreements and its resolve to prevent criminals from exploiting its territory. The case also reinforces the critical role of legal and judicial frameworks in facilitating such international operations, enabling countries to collectively tackle the challenges posed by transnational crime.
