Simón Levy faces extradition proceedings while free, following his arrest in Portugal: Security Cabinet

Mexico's Security Cabinet explained on Wednesday that businessman Simón Levy Dabbah is facing his extradition process while free, under precautionary measures, following his arrest in Portugal , as a result of an Interpol Red Notice.

"The Court of Appeals in Lisbon ordered his release, imposing precautionary measures, including stay and identity checks, while his nationality status is verified and his extradition to Mexican authorities is arranged," Mexican authorities detailed in a message posted on the social network X.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on its social media, the Attorney General's Office of Mexico City ( FGJCDMX ) recalled that the former official also faces two outstanding arrest warrants, stemming from his repeated failure to appear at court hearings in separate criminal proceedings: one for crimes against the environment and the responsibility of directors in charge of construction, and another for threats and intentional damage to property.

The local institution said it had been notified by the Attorney General's Office ( FGR ) that, according to information from the National Central Bureau of Interpol Mexico and its counterpart in Portugal, Simón Levy was arrested last Tuesday, October 28, for extradition purposes.

"This Wednesday, October 29, he appeared before the competent judicial authority, where he was informed of his rights and chose to face the formal extradition process, in accordance with the legislation of that country," said the Attorney General's Office of Mexico City.

In her morning press conference on October 29, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, commented on the arrest in Portugal of the former undersecretary of Planning and Tourism Policy during the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

However, following Sheinbaum's comments, Levy Dabbah posted a video on social media in which he claimed to be free, without commenting on the process he had undergone.

"Let it be known here that I am well, that I am free. And well, I think they told the President of Mexico that I was—I don't know what they said—kidnapped or arrested or something. Here I am, Madam President, greeting you with much affection, with much love. And telling you that whatever you need, here is a Mexican to continue raising his voice and continue explaining to all Mexicans what is happening in Mexico; although surely many of you and many other people will not like what I am saying."

It should be remembered that the former official also faces a legal conflict with Emma Yolanda Santos, who denounced him in 2019 for breach of a construction agreement in a building located in Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo borough.

In November 2021, Santos released a video showing Levy banging on her door and verbally threatening her, which led to a formal complaint of assault. Following the release of the video, the former undersecretary issued a public apology on social media and expressed his intention to resolve the conflict.