Police in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 33 suspects from 12 nationalities after dismantling four interconnected international criminal networks allegedly involved in cyberattacks, digital asset theft, online fraud and money laundering worth more than Dh8.8 billion ($2.4 billion).
Sharjah Police announced Thursday, Oct. 15, that the operation, codenamed End of the Battle, also led to the seizure of more than Dh200 million ($54.5 million) and the protection of assets belonging to more than 30 companies and institutions worldwide, valued at over Dh65 billion ($17.7 billion).
The operation was carried out in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Interior and international law enforcement authorities, with several suspects apprehended overseas and returned to the country to face legal proceedings.
Authorities said the criminal networks were involved in hacking, digital wallet theft, online extortion, financial fraud and violent assaults.
Investigators also placed more than 3,000 digital wallets under auditing and verification as part of efforts to trace stolen assets and identify suspicious transactions.
According to Sharjah Police, the networks allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to conduct phishing attacks and online fraud, while compromised personal and financial information was traded through dark web platforms.
The suspects allegedly transferred stolen funds through bank accounts, digital wallets, virtual asset platforms and intermediary companies to conceal the origin of the money.
Some of the proceeds were subsequently invested in real estate, luxury vehicles, expensive watches and jewellery to make the funds appear legitimate.
Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, said the operation demonstrated the UAE’s ability to investigate sophisticated criminal organisations operating across international borders.
He said the investigation uncovered a concealed criminal infrastructure that relied on encrypted communications and restricted online platforms to evade detection.
Some suspects allegedly presented themselves as wealthy entrepreneurs and investors while maintaining luxurious lifestyles and travelling between major international cities.
“The results of the security operation were not limited to arresting those involved and stopping their criminal activities,” bin Amer said, highlighting the protection of financial assets and efforts to limit wider economic and security consequences.
He credited cooperation among federal and local security agencies, international authorities and the Sharjah Public Prosecution for the operation’s outcome.
Meanwhile, Sharjah Attorney General Counsellor Anwar Al Harmoudi disclosed that investigators traced money laundering transactions totaling Dh8,825,381,741.50.
Al Harmoudi said the criminal organisation allegedly operated through a structured network, with members assigned specific roles in stealing victims’ funds, transferring illicit proceeds and converting the money into assets and investments.
The investigation found that victims were initially targeted through fraudulent schemes before their accounts were compromised and their money or digital assets stolen.
The proceeds were then transferred across multiple financial channels and jurisdictions, complicating efforts to identify their origin and ultimate beneficiaries.
Al Harmoudi said prosecutors conducted parallel judicial, digital and financial investigations to establish the network’s structure and trace the movement of funds.
Authorities presented the findings during a media briefing at Sharjah Media City, where police and prosecution officials outlined the scale of the investigation and measures taken to protect affected assets.
Sharjah Police said the operation was intended not only to stop the suspected criminal activities but also to prevent further financial losses and protect the integrity of the UAE’s financial system.
The suspects remain subject to legal proceedings, and the allegations have not been established by a final court judgment.
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