Abu Dhabi, UAE — More than AED 4 billion ($1.08 billion) were confiscated during the past two years by UAE’s Ministry of Interior in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, whose combined efforts led to the arrest of 387 wanted individuals in 521 money laundering cases.
Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, said, “Our unwavering commitment is to continually cultivate a secure environment for habitation, stability, employment, and investment.”
“The UAE maintains its position at the forefront of global nations in international competitiveness. Milestones aligned with the nation’s steadfast stance against crime and reinforcing societal safety are being achieved,” Sheikh Saif said.
Lt. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police said the Ministry of Interior has adopted the latest advanced technological techniques in strengthening and developing investigation mechanisms and collecting information in tackling money laundering.
The concerted efforts spanning November 2022 to February 2023 led to the exchange of 1,628 instances of intelligence information with international collaborators, he added.
These collaborations encompass various communication channels, including INTERPOL, Europol, the Gulf Police Authority, AMON International Network, and liaison officers. Furthermore, several Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with counterparts globally in law enforcement.
Al Marri drew attention to the innovative initiatives launched by concerned authorities within the country to combat money laundering.
This encompasses the inauguration of the unified platform by the Ministry of Interior, designed to tackle money laundering in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Justice represented by the Public Prosecution Offices, the UAE Central Bank, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, and the Federal Tax Authority play pivotal roles in supporting collaborative efforts.
The shared objective is to strengthen security and combat crime, particularly money laundering and its associated offences.