Giovanni Sarcì

Attorney Giovanni Sarcì

Avv. Giovanni Sarcì is an Italian international criminal defence lawyer admitted to the Palermo Bar Association and a senior member of an international law firm in Italy, where he assists private clients, entrepreneurs, top managers and multinational companies in complex, high-profile criminal proceedings with cross-border implications.

Also, Avvocato Giovanni Sarcì is an Italian Supreme Court lawyer (Avvocato Cassazionista) admitted to practice before the Court of Cassation, offering specialised defence in complex criminal litigation and final appeals before Italy’s highest criminal Court.

Over the years he has developed a strong reputation as a criminal lawyer for international clients, thanks to his ability to handle the most challenging cases in international criminal law, combining advanced technical expertise with outstanding strategic problem-solving skills. Today he is involved in some of the most significant transnational criminal cases in Italy, providing tailored defence strategies aimed at protecting personal liberty, assets and business continuity.

His core practice focuses on extradition law, European Arrest Warrants (EAW) and Interpol defence. As an experienced extradition lawyer in Italy, he represents clients in both incoming and outgoing extradition proceedings, assisting with international arrest warrants, mutual legal assistance, cross-border investigations and Interpol Red Notice cases, including preventive legal advice for individuals at risk of international restrictions. His activity also covers precautionary personal measures, such as pre-trial detention and house arrest, as well as precautionary asset measures, seizure and confiscation proceedings, with a constant focus on safeguarding fundamental rights.

Avv. Sarcì is widely recognised as a white collar crime lawyer in Italy, with consolidated experience in tax crimes, international tax fraud, fraudulent bankruptcy, corporate criminal liability and complex financial offences. He provides judicial defence and legal advice to companies and directors in proceedings involving economic and financial crime, while also assisting businesses in the implementation of Legislative Decree 231/2001 compliance programmes, including the adoption of organisational models, risk assessment and criminal compliance strategies. This integrated approach makes him a trusted criminal business lawyer in Italy for companies operating in highly regulated sectors.

A significant part of his work is dedicated to transnational organised crime and international drug trafficking cases, where he acts within multi-jurisdictional proceedings involving coordinated investigations between different countries.

In the field of maritime criminal law and crimes committed in international waters, he works in close cooperation with Avv. Donatella Sicomo, Partner and Head of the Criminal Law Department. Together they assist shipowners, captains, logistics operators and international crews in proceedings concerning:

• ship seizure and release

• criminal liability for maritime accidents in Italy

• drug and arms trafficking by sea

• offences committed on board vessels

• jurisdiction in international waters

This joint practice area represents a point of reference for shipping companies and international maritime operators involved in criminal investigations in Italy.

His professional approach is highly client-oriented, solution-driven and business-focused, with particular attention to reputational risk, asset protection and the identification of effective alternatives to lengthy criminal proceedings whenever possible.

Admitted to state-funded legal aid, he also has experience in juvenile criminal law.

Thanks to his international vision, courtroom experience and ability to manage complex legal scenarios, Avv. Giovanni Sarcì is regarded as a leading international criminal defence lawyer in Italy for extradition cases, Interpol matters, white collar crime, corporate criminal compliance and maritime criminal law, and a reliable legal partner for clients facing sensitive criminal proceedings in a global context.