Dubai: Over the past three years, Dubai Police have effectively investigated 500 money laundering cases, amounting to over Dh4 billion, as part of major efforts led by the UAE Ministry of Interior to combat both organized and transnational crime.

These initiatives include collaborations with international law enforcement agencies, resulting in financial scrutiny that encompasses Dh60 million in virtual assets.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, emphasized the UAE's commitment to countering money laundering and enhancing international partnerships to tackle financial crimes.

Under the directives of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the UAE focuses on cultivating global partnerships to promote safer communities.

Lieutenant General Al Marri stated that the success of Dubai Police is attributed to robust collaborations at national and international levels.

The efforts are orchestrated through the UAE National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee, ensuring strategic coordination with key partners.

The force is investing in human resources development, with specialized training programs such as the International Diploma in AML and Terrorist Financing, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

This program has seen 116 professionals from various national organizations trained in key areas.

Dubai Police have shown exceptional commitment to intelligence sharing, evidenced by the exchange of 1,733 financial crime-related dossiers with international partners over recent years.

These exchanges have been facilitated through organizations including INTERPOL and Europol, as well as regional and Gulf networks.

Furthermore, multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with global counterparts to strengthen law enforcement cooperation.

Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, pointed to advanced technologies' role in enhancing investigative capabilities.

He highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and specialized task forces to identify illicit activities, apprehend perpetrators, and collaborate closely with international law enforcement on effective anti-money laundering measures.

Brigadier Hareb Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, credited the unified operational framework with the department's success.

This comprehensive approach enables monitoring of criminal activity, facilitating identification and prosecution of offenders involved in transnational money laundering crimes.

Innovative strategies are employed to tackle various money laundering techniques, including self-laundering, third-party schemes, and virtual asset laundering.

Al Shamsi also noted the importance of collaboration with private and public entities such as the Dubai Public Prosecution, the UAE Central Bank, the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Economic Security Centre of Dubai, and local and federal customs.

Together, these partnerships ensure an integrated response to financial crimes, safeguarding economic security.

The enduring efforts highlight Dubai Police's commitment to reducing the risks associated with money laundering and maintaining economic integrity, reinforcing the UAE's status as a crucial player in the global fight against financial crimes.