UAE authorities have detained several internationally wanted fugitives recently. Getty Images
UAE authorities have detained several internationally wanted fugitives recently. Getty Images
UAE authorities have detained several internationally wanted fugitives recently. Getty Images
UAE authorities have detained several internationally wanted fugitives recently. Getty Images

Ecuadorian wanted by Interpol arrested in UAE


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A man from Ecuador who is wanted by Interpol has been arrested by authorities in the UAE.

Roberto Carlos Alvarez Vera was arrested following a request by authorities in Ecuador, the state news agency Wam reported on Monday.

“This outcome underscores the firm commitment of both countries to upholding the rule of law and strengthening international co-operation in combating transnational crime, including narcotics networks”, Wam added.

It is not the first time in recent months that the UAE has moved to arrest people wanted for questioning in other countries. Marko Dordevic, the alleged leader of the Vracarci gang, also known as the Witchcrafters, was arrested at the start of the month after an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him.

Arrests were also made in Spain and Serbia as part of Operation Haris. Mr Dordevic was arrested after police in the emirate co-ordinated with Europol, Eurojust – the EU agency for criminal justice co-operation – and Serbian authorities.

In October, the UAE extradited two men to Belgium after an Interpol Red Notice was issued against them. The Ministry of Interior handed over the fugitives after they were arrested by Dubai and Sharjah police, the state news agency Wam reported at the time.

“The two are wanted criminals in Belgium,” the ministry said. The two men are wanted by authorities in Belgium for alleged drug trafficking and money laundering as part of an organised gang.

“The extradition reflected the UAE's commitment to combating transnational organised crime and embodied its commitment to international co-operation in consolidating the principles of justice and enhancing security and stability,” the ministry added.

In August, Dubai Police extradited a Dutch national accused of drug trafficking and money laundering to the Netherlands. The suspect was arrested under an Interpol red notice and handed over following a ruling by the UAE's Ministry of Justice.

The case comes amid a broader crackdown on organised crime networks operating across borders. A week earlier, two other fugitives – one wanted in France and the other in Belgium – were extradited for their alleged roles in large-scale drug trafficking and gang-related activities.

In July, Dubai Police arrested and extradited three alleged Belgian crime gang leaders facing human and drug trafficking charges in their home country.

The three suspects – Mathias Akyazili, Giorgi Faes and Othman El Ballouti – were listed in the most-wanted category by Interpol and Europol. In Belgium they are accused of serious cross-border crimes, including operating a gang, trafficking drugs and psychotropic substances, committing robbery and human trafficking.

In the same month, Dubai Police extradited two French nationals facing fraud and drug trafficking charges.

On August 15, the UAE extradited one of China's most-wanted fugitives, accused of running a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation. The man, arrested in Dubai, was handed over to Chinese authorities under an Interpol Red Notice after being linked to a network that laundered profits through offshore accounts.

One of the UAE's most significant extraditions was on May 29, with the handover of Sean McGovern, who is alleged to be a senior figure in Ireland's Kinahan organised crime group. He was detained in Dubai last year following an Interpol Red Notice and was flown to Dublin on an Irish military aircraft.

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Cricket World Cup League 2

UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs

UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv

Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Updated: December 29, 2025, 6:05 PM