Dubai

The Dubai subcategory highlights investigations into the hidden financial networks, money laundering schemes, and illicit activities taking place in one of the world’s major financial hubs. Discover how Dubai’s real estate, banking, and luxury markets are exploited by corrupt actors and criminals to conceal wealth, evade sanctions, and facilitate organized crime. These reports shine a light on the dark side of a global city known for its rapid growth and economic influence.

Dubai

Jun 25, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Anti-Money Laundering Body Pledges to Probe OCCRP Findings on UAE

An international anti-money laundering body that took the United Arab Emirates off its “gray list” will review findings from a recent investigation by OCCRP and media partners, which revealed that convicted criminals, fugitives, and sanctioned individuals own property in Dubai.

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Dubai

Jun 14, 2024Sep 24, 2024

German Prosecutors Terminate Probe Into Former Afghan Politician’s Properties

German prosecutors have dropped their investigation into real estate deals by Ajmal Rahmani, a former Afghan politician who says the decision strengthens his lawsuit against the U.S. government, which sanctioned him for alleged corruption.

Alex Johnson 0

Dubai

May 30, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Dubai Revelations Prompt Questions From EU Parliamentarians

European parliamentarians are questioning whether the United Arab Emirates should have been taken off the “gray list” of countries at risk of money laundering and terrorist financing, following revelations that Dubai property owners include a host of dubious characters like drug lords and sanctioned businessmen.

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Dubai

May 27, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Mysterious Wealth: Tajikistan PM’s Wife Bought Luxury Dubai Properties

Tajikistan’s prime minister and his wife did not respond to questions about how she was able to afford substantial real estate holdings in their home country, and in the United Arab Emirates.

Alex Johnson 0

Dubai

May 16, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Singapore Money Laundering Suspects Invested Huge Sums in Dubai Property

Three people arrested in a raid on an alleged money laundering ring in Singapore invested over $30 million in Dubai real estate, leaked data reveals. One of the suspects, who was wanted in China at the time, was behind a property broker that became a major sales agent for the city’s largest real estate developer, part-owned by Dubai’s ruler.

Alex Johnson 0

Dubai

May 15, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Top Crypto Scammers Managed to Sell Dubai Properties After Being Charged

So-called CryptoQueen Ruja Ignatova and her security adviser, Frank Schneider, liquidated Dubai assets despite being charged in the U.S. for their alleged roles in a $4bn fraud. The whereabouts of both is unknown.

Alex Johnson 0

Dubai

May 15, 2024Sep 25, 2024

Cyprus at Center of Sanctioned Afghan Politician’s International Business Empire

A lawsuit against the U.S. government by two former Afghan parliamentarians reveals they continue to hold Cyprus passports –– despite advice to authorities to review their citizenship.

Alex Johnson 0

Dubai

May 14, 2024Sep 24, 2024

What Is 'Dubai Unlocked'? Everything You Need To Know

Frequently asked questions about the global investigation into Dubai property ownership.

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Dubai

May 14, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Destination Dubai: As the U.S. Was Rebuilding Afghanistan, Contractors Snapped up Properties in the UAE

As billions of U.S. dollars flowed in to rebuild Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban in 2001, many contractors were accused of skimming reconstruction funds. Today, some of them own luxury properties in Dubai.

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Dubai

May 03, 2022Sep 25, 2024

Dubai Uncovered: Data Leak Exposes How Criminals, Officials, and Sanctioned Politicians Poured Money Into Dubai Real Estate

Russian politicians under Western sanctions, financial criminals, and corrupt European officials all own real estate in the emirate, which attracts investors with liberal residency rules and a ‘few questions asked’ approach to regulation.

Alex Johnson 0