Spike in money laundering cases poses new problem

23 April 2006

Dubai: Money laundering has become a serious problem in Dubai with triple the number of complaints reported to police, a senior officer said.

Brigadier Mohammad Saeed Al Merri, Deputy Director of Community Services, said the rapid growth of online banking and the IT sector had resulted in more instances of the crime.

He told Gulf News: "There are many types of theft and cons using e-mail, internet or text messages.

"The crime of fraud existed years ago, but it has developed and the fraudsters have changed their traditional methods to adapt to the modern age.

"Now they are sending messages to many people randomly via technical devices thinking that no one can obtain their identity."

Brig Al Merri added that people wanting to earn money quickly get involved when they find messages on their mobiles or in their e-mail from an unknown person saying they want to transfer millions of dollars to their account.

"Such people have a direct hand in the expansion of the phenomenon of money laundering," he added.

Police statistics reveal the number of complaints from the public about money laundering increased more than threefold between 2004 and 2005.

In 2004, Dubai police recorded 12 complaints taken by the Al Ameen service; while 47 complaints were reported in 2005.

The majority of people said that they received e-mails, which fraudsters believe is the easiest way to conceal their identity.

Dubai Police said in many cases the e-mails originated from Africa.

According to UAE law, such acts are punishable by up to 15 years in jail and a fine of Dh100,000.

Brig Al Merri urged those who encountered such issues to use the Al Ameen service, which enables people to report crime with the help of a free phone number, fax or e-mail.

Normally people who want to earn money quickly get involved in such scams when they find messages on their mobiles or in their e-mail from an unknown person, said Brigadier Mohammad Saeed Al Merri, Deputy Director of Community Services.

If you are approached to launder money, call the 24-hour Al Ameen hot line (8002888) or send a fax (04 209 7777) or e-mail: alameen@eim.ae.