A total of Dh4 billion was confiscated and 187 people wanted globally for money laundering were apprehended with UAE assistance, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced on Monday.
As reported by the UAE Ministry of Interior on X (formerly Twitter), the UAE solved 521 cases of money laundering by conducting parallel financial investigations, accounting for 55 percent of the reported cases, aimed at uncovering sources, movements, and beneficiaries of illicit funds. The investigations also contributed to exposing criminal networks.
Anti-crime stance
The UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the country's strong stance against crime.
He said: "We are continuing to enhance a safe environment for living, working and investment in accordance with an integrated participatory system so that the UAE remains at the forefront of international competitiveness, economic development, and protecting the integrity of the global financial system.”
To reduce these crimes, the UAE has put in place plans and strategies based on national and institutional assessments.
Cooperation globally
He highlighted the efforts of local authorities and international law enforcement agencies. Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police and member of the Higher Committee Oversighting the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, commended them.
He noted the joint efforts involved specialised training programmes, including instituting an international diploma focused on combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
“The international diploma specialised in combating money laundering and terrorist financing crimes was launched in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the participation of 116 associates combating money laundering at the state level,” Al Marri explained, adding: “The joint efforts between November 2022 and February 2023 resulted in the exchange of 1,628 intelligence information with international partners.”
The international agencies include Interpol, Europol, Gulf Police and the Anti-Money Laundering Operational Network (AMON).
In order to combat money laundering and other related crimes, MoI worked with the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Justice, UAE Central Bank, Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality, Customs and Ports Security, and Federal Tax Authority, Ministry of Interior.