Sharjah Police Dismantle Four International Networks in Major Fraud

Sharjah Police have successfully dismantled four interconnected international criminal networks responsible for a massive string of illegal activities, including cyberattacks, digital wallet theft, money laundering, online fraud, extortion, and violent assaults. The operation, codenamed ‘End of the Battle’, led to the arrest of 33 suspects representing 12 different nationalities. Digital wallet theft, money laundering, online fraud, extortion and violent assaults, arresting 33 suspects from 12 nationalities and securing assets belonging to more than 30 companies and institutions worldwide valued at over Dh65 billion, sharjah: Sharjah Police have dismantled four interconnected international criminal networks involved in cyberattacks. Also Read: UAE arrests Swedish gang leader wanted by Interpol in Dh26.5m money laundering case. According to he, Safeguarding society and protecting the country’s assets remained a priority, adding that those who exploited technology to commit crimes would be tracked down and brought to justice.

Announcing the results of the investigation on Thursday at Sharjah Media City, authorities confirmed that the operation was conducted in close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. The scope of the investigation is vast, involving over 3,000 audited digital wallets and uncovered money laundering transactions totaling Dh8.825 billion. Where senior police and prosecution officials outlined the scale of the investigation and the measures taken to protect assets and limit potential economic repercussions for global digital asset markets, the operation was announced by Sharjah Police on Thursday during a media briefing at Sharjah Media City (Shams). According to he, The success of the operation was the result of sustained security efforts and close cooperation between federal, local and international authorities. Dh8.8 billion in money laundering uncovered.

Operation and Financial Findings

• Total money laundering volume: Dh8,825,381,741.50
• Immediate seized assets: More than Dh200 million in funds
• Seized physical assets: 17 luxury cars and 29 valuable watches
• Documentary evidence: Over 10,000 documents and reports reviewed
• Judicial effort: 142 investigation sessions conducted

Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, stated that the operation showcases the UAE’s robust capability to confront sophisticated cross-border cybercrime. He praised the dedication of the officers involved and the strategic support provided by the Ministry of Interior, led by Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Counsellor Anwar Al Harmoudi, Attorney General of Sharjah, detailed how the networks utilized a complex, concealed infrastructure to move illicit funds through bank accounts, international platforms, and various intermediary companies. Public Prosecution officials worked to trace these activities, issuing 12 search warrants and coordinating 109 requests through the Financial Intelligence Unit to dismantle the group’s financial apparatus.

The criminal groups operated with high levels of specialization, according to Major General Omar Ahmed Bu Al Zoud, Director-General of the General Department of Criminal Security. One network focused on data theft and hacking, while others managed the complex laundering of proceeds. Suspects reportedly presented themselves as wealthy investors to mask their activities, though investigations confirmed they engaged in extortion and violent threats against victims and their families when financial coercion failed. Some suspects allegedly maintained lavish lifestyles and travelled between international capitals while participating in criminal activities spanning several countries, while presenting themselves publicly as wealthy businesspeople and investors.

Brigadier Dr. Khalifa Yousif Belhai, Director of the Criminal Investigation Directorate, noted that the investigation initially gained momentum after officers identified a juvenile found in possession of sensitive information. This discovery eventually exposed the broader international web of criminal activities. Authorities have confirmed that the seized assets and funds have been secured to prevent further financial harm, and the suspects—including representatives of six involved legal entities—will face full judicial proceedings.