Dubai Police have successfully resolved 500 money laundering cases between 2022 and 2024, reaffirming their commitment to tackling organised and transnational crimes.
These investigations, conducted in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, have uncovered financial irregularities amounting to over Dh4 billion, including Dh60 million tied to virtual assets.
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, highlighted the UAE’s dedication to combating financial crimes. “Guided by the directives of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the UAE continues to prioritise global partnerships to ensure safer communities,” he said.
Strategic coordination
Lt-Gen Al Marri attributed Dubai Police’s achievements to strategic collaboration at both national and international levels. The UAE’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee plays a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts.
“Our force invests significantly in human resource development through specialised training. The International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, launched in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, has trained 116 professionals across key national organisations,” Al Marri stated.
Global partnerships
Dubai Police have exchanged 1,733 financial crime-related dossiers with international partners over the past three years. These collaborations involve global networks such as INTERPOL, Europol, and Gulf regional partnerships.
“Numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international counterparts have strengthened our capabilities, ensuring a seamless exchange of intelligence,” said Al Marri.
AI integration
Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, underscored the importance of cutting-edge technology. “Dubai Police uses advanced artificial intelligence and specialised task forces to detect illicit activities and apprehend those responsible,” he explained.
Brigadier Hareb Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, stressed the effectiveness of a unified operational framework in combating money laundering. “This comprehensive approach allows us to monitor and prosecute offenders involved in transnational financial crimes,” he noted.
Innovative strategies
Brigadier Al Shamsi elaborated on the department’s innovative strategies, including targeting self-laundering, third-party schemes, and virtual asset misuse. Collaborations with entities like Dubai Public Prosecution, the UAE Central Bank, and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Economic Security Centre of Dubai have been pivotal.
“These efforts represent a synchronised response to money laundering threats, protecting economic security and mitigating associated risks,” Al Shamsi concluded.