A Swedish national accused of leading an international criminal gang has been arrested in the UAE following a joint security operation with Swedish authorities targeting an alleged money laundering network that handled about Dh26.5 million.
The UAE Ministry of Interior said the suspect had fled Sweden and was wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice over suspected money laundering offences. The arrest took place as Swedish authorities detained six other alleged members of the network in Sweden.
Investigations found that the group had handled approximately 70 million Swedish kronor (Dh26.5 million) over a 10-month period, according to the ministry.
The network allegedly dealt with cash proceeds from criminal activities and redirected the funds to other criminal entities. Cryptocurrencies were also used to transfer and move the value of the money.
Authorities said tracing cryptocurrency transactions and examining digital evidence helped uncover financial links to other suspected criminal activities, including organised crime and contract killings.
The ministry did not identify the arrested suspect.
UAE-Sweden cooperation
The operation followed intelligence sharing and direct security coordination between the UAE and Swedish authorities.
The ministry said extensive investigations, searches and monitoring helped investigators establish the gang leader’s whereabouts and arrest him in the UAE, while six alleged associates were detained in Sweden. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those arrested.
Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, Director General of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior, said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of security cooperation between the UAE and Sweden.
“The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its firm commitment to pursuing individuals wanted by justice and combating transnational organized crime,” Al Ahmad said. “In cooperation with its international partners, the UAE 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, also praised the cooperation. “The close and effective cooperation with the United Arab Emirates was a key factor in achieving the successful outcome of this case, and we express our sincere gratitude to the UAE authorities for their valuable cooperation and support,” Wiberg said. ICA/Expat Media
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