The Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates has officially rejected the appeal of Sebastian M., a suspect in a tragic highway accident that resulted in the deaths of a family of three. This decision, announced on May 7, 2025, by Poland's Minister of Justice and Attorney General Adam Bodnar, marks a significant step in the extradition process that could see Sebastian M. face justice in Poland.
According to Bodnar, the court did not consider M.'s appeal against a previous ruling by the Dubai Court of Appeal, which had confirmed the legal admissibility of his extradition to Poland. "The ruling of the Emirati Supreme Court is final, meaning the end of the judicial stage of the extradition procedure," Bodnar stated on the social media platform X. This outcome now places the final decision regarding M.'s extradition in the hands of the UAE's Minister of Justice.
The case stems from a horrific incident that occurred in September 2023 on the A1 highway near Sierosław, close to Piotrków Trybunalski in Poland. A family, consisting of parents and their five-year-old son, tragically lost their lives in the accident. The involvement of Sebastian M. was confirmed when police investigations revealed he was driving a BMW that collided with another vehicle.
After the accident, M. fled Europe, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant under the direction of then Attorney General Zbigniew Ziobro. He was subsequently placed on Interpol's red notice list, making him a target for international law enforcement.
Law enforcement in the UAE, with assistance from Poland's Special Search Group, successfully apprehended M. in Dubai. Following his arrest, he was released on bail and reportedly received a so-called golden visa, granting him resident status in the Emirates. This situation raised concerns about his potential flight risk.
The Polish prosecutor's office has been actively pursuing M.'s extradition, which they formally requested as part of the ongoing legal process. In January 2025, the Dubai Court of Appeal ruled on the non-final legal admissibility of M.'s extradition, a decision that was contested by M. in February. The Supreme Court's recent ruling effectively quashes any further legal challenges regarding this matter.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski also commented on the court's decision, emphasizing the importance of holding M. accountable for his actions. "The road pirate who fled to Dubai will face the Polish justice system," he declared, reaffirming the commitment of Polish authorities to ensure justice for the victims.
As the extradition process moves forward, the Emirati Minister of Justice is expected to make a decision in the near future regarding M.'s extradition to Poland. Despite M. currently being at large, the Polish prosecutor's office has received assurances from the Emirati authorities that he will not leave the UAE until the extradition procedure is concluded.
Should the Emirati Minister of Justice decide to approve the extradition, M. will be immediately handed over to the District Prosecutor's Office in Katowice, Poland, which is responsible for the ongoing investigation into the accident. Prosecutors plan to apply for temporary arrest under the current legal circumstances, as the case approaches its conclusion.
Prosecutor Anna Adamiak stated that the investigation has gathered a full range of evidence, and the proceedings are in their final stages. "The necessity to present direct charges will arise, and Sebastian M. will be interrogated as a suspect," she explained, highlighting the seriousness of the case.
This ruling by the UAE Supreme Court is seen as a significant success for both the Polish judiciary and its diplomatic efforts to ensure justice for the victims of the tragic accident. Bodnar expressed gratitude to the prosecutors, diplomats, and officials from both Poland and the UAE who have worked diligently to bring this case to a resolution.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how the Emirati authorities will handle the final decision regarding M.'s extradition. The case has drawn considerable media attention, not only due to the tragic loss of life but also because it highlights the complexities of international law and extradition agreements between nations.
In summary, the rejection of Sebastian M.'s appeal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the family affected by the A1 highway accident. With the final decision now resting with the UAE's Minister of Justice, there remains a glimmer of hope for those seeking accountability in this heartbreaking case.
