UAE Police Arrest 33 Suspects in Dh8.8 Billion Cyber Money Laundering Scheme

Police in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 33 suspects representing 12 nationalities after dismantling four interconnected international criminal networks linked to a money laundering scheme exceeding Dh8.8 billion ($2.4 billion), The Filipino Times reported. Sharjah Police announced details of the operation, codenamed 'End of the Battle', on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

According to Sharjah Police, the operation seized more than Dh200 million ($54.5 million) in funds and protected assets valued at over Dh65 billion ($17.7 billion) belonging to more than 30 companies and institutions worldwide. The operation was conducted in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Interior and international law enforcement authorities, with several suspects apprehended overseas and extradited to the UAE to face legal proceedings.

Authorities stated that the criminal networks engaged in hacking, digital wallet theft, online extortion, financial fraud, and violent assaults. Investigators placed more than 3,000 digital wallets under auditing and verification to trace stolen assets and identify suspicious transactions.

Sharjah Police reported that the networks used artificial intelligence tools to carry out phishing attacks and online fraud, trading compromised personal and financial records on dark web platforms. Suspects transferred illicit funds through bank accounts, digital wallets, virtual asset platforms, and intermediary entities, subsequently investing proceeds into real estate, luxury vehicles, expensive watches, and jewellery to conceal the origin of the money.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, stated that the operation demonstrated the UAE's ability to investigate sophisticated criminal organisations operating across international borders and dismantled an extensive hidden criminal infrastructure.