A man wanted for a horrific crash that killed a Polish family of three has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates, Polish officials confirmed.
Sebastian M, who fled to Dubai following the high-speed accident on Poland’s A1 highway in September 2023, was apprehended on May 23 in a coordinated operation between Polish law enforcement and UAE authorities.
The crash, which killed a couple and their 5-year-old child after their car slammed into a barrier and burst into flames, sparked national outrage in Poland and renewed calls for tougher penalties on reckless driving.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the arrest, stating: “Sebastian M detained in the Emirates. Now, the Polish prosecutor’s office will deal with him. I thank our diplomats and policemen who undertook this difficult operation.”
In a stern warning to other fugitives, Tusk added, “Anyone who hides in a foreign country from Polish justice will sooner or later end up in our hands.”
The arrest was publicly announced by Polish Police on May 24, who indicated that the extradition process could take a few days to several weeks. “The suspect will soon be transferred to Poland and will be handed over to the prosecutor’s office,” the force stated on social media.
Despite the absence of a formal extradition treaty between the UAE and Poland, the case moved forward due to close diplomatic cooperation. UAE authorities reportedly committed to ensuring due process for the transfer.