• Wednesday, October 08,2025

MOI Organizes International Forum to Step Up Global Cooperation in Combating Financial Crimes

The Ministry of Interior, through the International Affairs Office, in cooperation with the Federal Public Prosecution, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, and the Financial Intelligence Unit, and in partnership with Europol, organized an international forum on combating financial crimes.

The forum explored the experiences and capabilities of Europol and the European Commission in preventing financial crime, as well as the UAE’s pioneering experience in combating money laundering and other financial crimes.

Held at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the two-day forum aimed to promote international dialogue and cooperation, exchange successful global practices, and strengthen efforts to enhance security and stability in societies.

The opening ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Abdulaziz Al Ahmed, Deputy Director General of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior; Ali Faisal Ba’alawi, Head of the Financial Information Unit; alongside several officers from the Ministry of Interior and representatives of participating partner entities.

Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, welcomed the international participants and emphasized the UAE’s commitment to stepping up global cooperation and partnerships. She highlighted the importance of showcasing advanced Emirati experiences in strengthening security, exchanging expertise, and empowering law enforcement personnel with the skills and knowledge that enhance their professional performance.

She noted that the Ministry of Interior, guided by the directives of the UAE government, continues to consolidate its international partnerships to address cross-border security challenges. Strengthening cooperation channels with international organizations such as Europol, she added, contributes to building law enforcement capacities and developing joint operational systems, in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to reinforce the nation’s position as a global leader in security, justice, and community protection.

Over the course of two days, the forum covered a range of specialized topics, including Europol’s role as a hub for criminal information and collaboration with public and private sector partners, effective methods for handling information, forensic operational analysis, and strategic analysis for policy development.

Presentations were delivered by a group of experts, including Cyril Gillot, Coach and Analyst at Europol; Lt. Colonel Abdullah Al Ali from the Ministry of Interior; and several Ministry officers who shared insights into the UAE’s successful experiences in combating financial crimes and money laundering.

Amna Al Hamoudi from the International Affairs Office presented the functions, responsibilities, and mechanisms of the Office’s work, while participants also reviewed the concept of a unified database, operational analysis tools, and analytical projects addressing money laundering, corruption, and asset recovery.

Discussions further explored the pivotal role of UAE Customs in combating money laundering, alongside best practices in addressing fraud and cyber fraud through real-world case studies. Tariq bin Hatem Al Balushi delivered a session on cryptocurrencies and the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit in local coordination.

Counselor Nasser Al Khatri led a specialized session highlighting the requirements for successful money laundering investigations and prosecutions, emphasizing the importance of integration between judicial and law enforcement authorities in the UAE.

On day two, Tamara Schutt, Head of Europol’s Strategic Analysis and Coordination Unit, reviewed European tools and services such as JII, EMPACT, and OTF. Lucy Miles, Head of Europol’s Financial Crimes Team, addressed key topics including combating corruption, online fraud schemes, and enhancing cooperation among European financial intelligence units.

The successful hosting of this international forum reflects the depth of the partnership between the UAE and Europol, representing an inspiring model of international cooperation in addressing cross-border security challenges. The exchange of expertise and experiences strengthens the effectiveness of security and judicial systems, contributing to the protection of the global economy and societies against the risks of financial crime.