The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of the leader of an international criminal gang in a joint operation with Swedish authorities.
The suspect, who had fled Sweden, was wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice on suspicion of involvement in money laundering offences.
The Swedish national's arrest coincided with the detention of six other members of the network in Sweden.
Investigations revealed the group handled around SEK 70 million, equivalent to AED 26.5 million, in criminal proceeds over a ten-month period.
The network is alleged to have laundered funds, transferred money to other criminal entities, and used cryptocurrencies to move illicit assets.
Authorities said the tracing of cryptocurrency transactions and analysis of digital evidence helped uncover links to other serious crimes, including organised criminal activity and contract killings.
The operation was carried out through direct intelligence sharing and close coordination between the UAE and Sweden, leading to the identification and arrest of the gang leader in the UAE.
The UAE ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational organised crime and pursuing internationally wanted suspects, while Swedish authorities praised the close cooperation between the two countries in securing the operation's success.
Ministry of Interior Arrests International Gang Leader Wanted by Sweden for Money Laundering Crimes
— وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) September 17, 2026
In a joint security operation reflecting the level of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, the UAE Ministry of Interior, in cooperation and… pic.twitter.com/FF587sRltm
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