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Over Dh4 billion was confiscated and 187 individuals wanted globally for money laundering cases were apprehended with the help of the UAE, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said on Monday.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the MoI noted the UAE helped solve 521 cases of money laundering as it successfully carried out parallel financial investigations – accounting to 55 per cent of the reported cases – aimed at uncovering sources of illicit funds, their movement and beneficiaries. The investigations also contributed to exposing criminal networks.
Strong stance against crime
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, reiterated the country’s strong stance against crime, as well as promotion of a safe society
He said: “We are continuing to enhance a safe environment for living, working and investment in accordance with 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.”
The UAE has put in place plans and strategies based on national and institutional assessment of risks to reduce these crimes, he added.
Global cooperation
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dubai Police commander-in-chief and member of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, highlighted the efforts of local authorities with international law enforcement agencies
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 Anti-Money Laundering Operational Network (AMON).
Locally, MoI partnered 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 to combat money laundering and other related crimes.
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