UAE arrests Swedish gang leader sought for SEK 70m money laundering
The UAE Ministry of Interior has arrested the leader of an international gang in Abu Dhabi, wanted by Sweden under an INTERPOL Red Notice for money laundering.
Swedish national held in Abu Dhabi over SEK 70 million criminal network
The UAE Ministry of Interior has arrested the leader of an international criminal gang on UAE soil, emirates247.com reports, following a joint operation with Swedish authorities targeting a transnational money laundering network.
The suspect, a Swedish national, had fled Sweden and was the subject of a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL on suspicion of money laundering. His arrest in Abu Dhabi was carried out simultaneously with the detention of six other gang members in Sweden.
Investigations revealed that the network had processed approximately SEK 70 million — equivalent to AED 26.5 million — over a ten-month period. The funds were derived from criminal activities, handled as cash proceeds and subsequently redirected to other criminal entities. Cryptocurrency transfers were also used to move and conceal the value of those funds.
Analysis of digital evidence and the tracing of cryptocurrency transactions uncovered financial links to additional criminal activities, including organised crime and contract killings.
Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, Director General of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior, said the operation "underscores the effectiveness of security cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Sweden, as well as the importance of exchanging information and expertise in pursuing international criminal networks and tracking their activities and financial flows."
Al Ahmad added that the UAE "reaffirms its firm commitment to pursuing individuals wanted by justice and combating transnational organised crime," and that authorities "will continue to track criminal networks, disrupt their sources of financing, and take legal action against anyone seeking to exploit the country's territory for criminal activities."
Anders Wiberg, Police Commissioner and Head of the International Division of the Swedish Police Authority, said the cooperation with the UAE was "a key factor in achieving the successful outcome of this case," extending "sincere gratitude to the UAE authorities for their valuable cooperation and support."
Legal proceedings have been initiated against all those arrested in both countries.
Source: Google News AE