16.7 million dollar bank fraud in Dubai: Israeli arrested in Bogota
Michael Mizrahi, 61, was detained at Bogota airport on the basis of a red notice from Interpol. He is suspected of defrauding the Bank of Khartoum in Dubai.
Arrest in Bogota of suspect in vast banking fraud in the Emirates
Michael Mizrahi, 61, an Israeli national also holding Mexican nationality, was arrested on Thursday at Bogota's international airport following a red notice issued by Interpol, i24news.tv reports. He is suspected of involvement in an alleged 16.7 million dollar bank fraud in the United Arab Emirates.
Nicknamed "the banker" in Colombian media, Mizrahi is wanted for his alleged involvement in a scam targeting the Bank of Khartoum in Dubai. The financial damage is estimated at approximately 61 million United Arab Emirates dirhams, according to Colombian authorities.
Investigators suspect the existence of an international network presenting itself as a group of leading investors. Its members allegedly used false bank guarantees, forged contracts and various fraudulent financial documents to establish the apparent legitimacy of their operations. Meetings were allegedly also organised for the purpose of reinforcing the network's credibility with business partners.
Part of the funds obtained fraudulently was allegedly transferred to accounts belonging to companies linked to the suspect. Investigators are also examining the alleged use of false wire transfer orders intended to delay payment requests.
The Emirati authorities are now demanding Mizrahi's extradition on suspicion of fraud, money laundering, forgery and use of forged documents. Colombian courts must rule on this request before any potential transfer to the United Arab Emirates.
At this stage, no conviction has been pronounced against Michael Mizrahi, whose criminal liability remains to be established.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)