UAE Arrests Swedish Gang Leader Wanted for Money Laundering

ABU DHABI, Sept 18: The United Arab Emirates has arrested a Swedish national suspected of leading an international criminal network and wanted by Sweden for alleged money laundering offenses, the UAE Interior Ministry said Thursday.

The arrest was carried out in coordination with Swedish authorities as part of a joint operation targeting transnational organized crime. The suspect, who had fled Sweden, was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, while Swedish authorities simultaneously arrested six other alleged members of the network in Sweden.

Investigations found that the network had handled around 70 million Swedish kronor ($7.5 million) over a 10-month period, including cash proceeds allegedly generated through criminal activities and redirected to other criminal groups. Authorities said the network also used cryptocurrencies to transfer funds.

The UAE ministry said analysis of cryptocurrency transactions and digital evidence uncovered financial links to other criminal activities, including organized crime and alleged contract killings.

Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, director-general of the Federal Criminal Police at the UAE Interior Ministry, said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of security cooperation between the UAE and Sweden in combating international criminal networks.

Anders Wiberg, commissioner and head of the International Department at the Swedish Police Authority, also praised the cooperation, saying coordination with UAE authorities was instrumental in the operation’s success.