🇧🇷 South America
Does Brazil extradite to Russia?
The Supreme Court decides; Brazil does not surrender its own nationals or recognised refugees.
In short
RarelyRarely, although a bilateral extradition treaty with Russia was signed in 2002. The Federal Supreme Court decides and the procedure is strictly formalised: Brazil does not surrender its own nationals or recognised refugees, and the political character of a case is a standalone ground for refusal.
Author
INTERPOL PROTECTION Research Desk
Reviewed by
Legal Review Board
Overview
A bilateral extradition treaty signed in 2002 is in force between Russia and Brazil, so a formal channel exists. But Brazil belongs to the jurisdictions with a high level of judicial control: the Federal Supreme Court examines the request, and without its consent surrender is impossible in principle.
The Constitution expressly prohibits extraditing own nationals, as well as extradition for political offences and offences of opinion. Recognition as a refugee terminates extradition proceedings.
The practical risk lies less in surrender than in border control: INTERPOL database screening is carried out, and a Red Notice can lead to detention on entry even where there is no prospect of surrender.
Legal system
Civil law; the Federal Supreme Court examines extradition, with final transfer an executive decision within the limits the court approved.
Extradition practice
A bilateral extradition treaty with Russia was signed in 2002, but the Constitution prohibits extraditing own nationals and extradition for political offences, and refugee recognition terminates proceedings.
INTERPOL cooperation
An INTERPOL member; a notice runs through the judicial procedure but can still cause border detention.
Human rights & judicial review
The Inter-American human-rights system applies, and constitutional guarantees are applied directly in extradition cases.
Not sure whether Brazil could extradite you? Describe your situation — we will assess the extradition risk and outline the next steps. Confidential, via secure channels.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Brazil extradite to Russia?
Rarely in practice. The Federal Supreme Court examines the request, and without its consent surrender is impossible.
Does refugee status protect me?
Yes. Refugee recognition terminates extradition proceedings — one of the strongest guarantees in the Brazilian system.
Not sure whether you are wanted?
This page answers in general terms; your case it does not. Describe your situation — we will look at what Brazil actually means for you, whether a Red Notice exists and what to do next. Confidential, no obligation.
What can be done
Check in advance, before travelling
A CCF request and a legal analysis let you find out preventively whether data exists and what the risks are — rather than at the border.
- Challenge it and seek deletion
We prepare a reasoned request to the CCF to delete a Red Notice: where data has been processed in breach of INTERPOL's rules — in a politically motivated case, for example — the Commission deletes it.
- Come back after a refusal
A refusal does not close the procedure for good: a request can be re-filed on new facts — a refused extradition, refugee status, evidence of political motive.
The outcome cannot be guaranteed in advance, but the situation is not a dead end either.
All enquiries are handled confidentially.
Related procedures
Sources
- Interpol Constitution and legal framework — Interpol
- Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF) — Interpol
- List of international treaties of the Russian Federation on legal assistance, extradition and transfer of sentenced persons — Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation
Version history
- v1.0 — Initial publication.
- v1.1 — Country overview update and legal review.