Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Sean Murphy, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement. Wam
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Sean Murphy, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement. Wam
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Sean Murphy, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement. Wam
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Sean Murphy, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement. Wam

UAE and US sign agreement to boost co-operation on tackling crime


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The UAE and US have signed an agreement to co-operate on several legal issues, including the transfer of arrested persons.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, said the agreement strengthens legal cases that combat money laundering, terrorist financing, human trafficking, drug smuggling and organised crime.

He said there needed to be constructive discussions in the near future to benefit from mutual experiences in the various judicial fields.

The agreement will lead to the UAE and US extending mutual legal assistance on criminal matters such as cases of assistance refusal, form and content of requests and their implementation, restrictions on the use and confidentiality of information and evidence, testimony, transfer of arrested persons, documents services, search and seizure, assistance in confiscation as well as compliance with other agreements.

Mr Al Nuaimi and Sean Murphy, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement, which is considered the first for a Gulf country, according to state news agency Wam.

Mr Murphy said the agreement "would continue to be supported and strengthened to serve the interests of the two friendly countries".

The task force established to clamp down on money laundering and terrorist financing said hundreds of cases were actively being pursued by UAE prosecutors.

The Executive Office for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Finance released details of recent prosecutions and deportations of suspects.

Set up in 2020, the office works with prosecutors and a range of government departments in the UAE and abroad to tackle financial crime.

In 2021, the authorities confiscated more than Dh2 billion ($544.5m), including Dh1.1bn in money laundering offences, a statement from the office said.

Dubai Police arrest Italy's most wanted - in pictures

  • Alleged Italian crime kingpin Raffaele Imperiale was arrested when police in Dubai executed an Interpol Red Notice in August 2021. He was extradited to Rome in March 2022. All photos: Dubai Police
    Alleged Italian crime kingpin Raffaele Imperiale was arrested when police in Dubai executed an Interpol Red Notice in August 2021. He was extradited to Rome in March 2022. All photos: Dubai Police
  • An extradition process can be complex. Authorities in both countries involved must weigh up the crimes committed and which jurisdictions this took place in.
    An extradition process can be complex. Authorities in both countries involved must weigh up the crimes committed and which jurisdictions this took place in.
  • If a crime took place in the country that the suspect was arrested in, in addition to their home country, that may add further issues.
    If a crime took place in the country that the suspect was arrested in, in addition to their home country, that may add further issues.
  • Imperiale's Dubai home, pictured in a police video in August 2021, featured a painting of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    Imperiale's Dubai home, pictured in a police video in August 2021, featured a painting of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
  • Dubai Police Swat team officers are briefed before the raid.
    Dubai Police Swat team officers are briefed before the raid.
  • Stacks of money in various currencies were discovered on the premises.
    Stacks of money in various currencies were discovered on the premises.
  • Mr Imperiale is alleged to have links to Naples' Camorra organised crime syndicate and has been implicated in the theft of art, among alleged offences.
    Mr Imperiale is alleged to have links to Naples' Camorra organised crime syndicate and has been implicated in the theft of art, among alleged offences.
  • Dubai Police's Swat team, their identities concealed, pictured at their headquarters.
    Dubai Police's Swat team, their identities concealed, pictured at their headquarters.
  • A sporty Mini is among vehicles owned by Mr Imperiale.
    A sporty Mini is among vehicles owned by Mr Imperiale.
  • A safe at Mr Imperiale's home. He was wanted by Italian authorities and Interpol.
    A safe at Mr Imperiale's home. He was wanted by Italian authorities and Interpol.
Updated: February 24, 2022, 1:28 PM