UAE and Sweden Arrest Seven in SEK70 Million Money Laundering Investigation

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Sweden have arrested seven people in a coordinated operation targeting an alleged international money laundering network that investigators say handled about SEK70 million (AED26.5 million) over ten months.

The UAE Ministry of Interior said a Swedish national described as the leader of the network was arrested in the Emirates after fleeing Sweden. The suspect was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice on suspicion of money laundering. At the same time, Swedish police arrested six other members of the network in Sweden.

According to the authorities, the investigation found that the group collected cash derived from criminal activity and redirected it to other criminal actors. Cryptocurrency was also used to transfer and move the value of the funds. Swedish police said tracing cryptocurrency transactions and analysing digital evidence exposed financial links to serious organised crime.

The Swedish investigation was conducted in Stockholm. The UAE Ministry of Interior said the arrests followed direct security coordination and exchanges of information and evidence between the two countries, which helped locate the wanted suspect and coordinate the simultaneous operation.

The authorities have not announced convictions in the case. The individuals remain suspects and legal proceedings are continuing under the applicable judicial arrangements.

Sources

UAE Ministry of Interior via Emirates News Agency, 17 September 2026
Swedish Police Authority, 17 September 2026