Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation
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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Dubai extradites two men to France on fraud and drugs charges
Two men have been arrested by Dubai Police and extradited to France to face fraud and drug trafficking charges in their home country. The suspects were detained after red notices were issued against them by Interpol and the EU's Europol, the Dubai force said on Friday. The two men were handed over to authorities in France, where they are accused of serious crimes including attempted fraud and trafficking narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. 'Search and investigation teams launched a tracking operation based on red notices,' Dubai Police said in a statement. 'The suspects and their homes were identified and monitored until they were arrested.' The force said it was committed to supporting a strong global security network to combat crime. The International Co-operation Department at the UAE's Ministry of Justice received the arrest warrants and handed the suspects over to France, in conjunction with the emirate's police and public prosecution. 'These suspects were involved in organised international crimes including murder, money laundering, armed robbery, drug trafficking and crime gang leaders,' the force added. The latest operation brings the number of wanted suspects extradited to France by Dubai Police to 10 in 2025. This week, The National reported how a former Molodovan justice minister arrested in the UAE was extradited to France to face fraud charges. Vitalie Pirlog was arrested in June at the request of French authorities who had asked Interpol to issue a red notice against him, state news agency Wam reported. On July 13, the force arrested and extradited three alleged Belgian crime gang leaders facing human and drug trafficking charges in their home country. The three suspects – Mathias Akyazili, Giorgi Faes and Othman El Ballouti – were listed in the most-wanted category by Interpol and Europol.
UAE Moments
a day ago
- UAE Moments
Why Car Theft Is 25x Higher in the USA Than in Japan
Why Car Theft Is 25x Higher in the USA Than in Japan: A Cultural and Security Breakdown Car theft remains one of the most common crimes worldwide—but where you live plays a massive role in your odds of becoming a victim. The United States, with its sprawling urban areas and decentralized policing, consistently records some of the highest auto theft rates among developed nations. In stark contrast, Japan boasts one of the lowest car theft rates in the world. The disparity is striking. According to data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the U.S. saw over 1 million vehicles stolen in 2023. Meanwhile, Japan reported less than 15,000 cases —despite being the world's third-largest car market. That's a 25x difference in car theft rates, even after adjusting for population size. But why? Let's explore the key reasons behind this gap. 1. Law Enforcement and Legal System Efficiency In Japan, law enforcement is highly organized, consistent, and has a close-knit relationship with local communities. The country employs the Koban system, where small police boxes are spread throughout neighborhoods. These local posts not only deter petty crime but also provide a psychological reminder of law and order. In the U.S., while police are well-equipped and technologically advanced, coverage is more sporadic, especially in rural or underserved urban areas. Police response times may vary significantly depending on location, which allows car thieves more leeway. Moreover, Japan's judicial system enforces stricter penalties and has a conviction rate exceeding 99%, which acts as a strong deterrent for would-be criminals. 2. Cultural Attitudes and Social Norms Japanese society values harmony, conformity, and a strong social order. The stigma associated with criminal behavior is immense—not just legally, but socially. A person caught stealing a car in Japan faces not only legal consequences but also lifelong social shame, impacting family reputation and career prospects. In contrast, the U.S. has a more individualistic culture, and while crime is certainly stigmatized, the social repercussions are not as severe or long-lasting. In some communities, particularly those struggling with poverty, car theft may even be seen as a survival tactic or part of a subculture. 3. Vehicle Design and Anti-Theft Technology Japanese automakers prioritize security features, especially for the domestic market. Many Japanese cars come with immobilizers, encrypted key fobs, GPS trackers, and advanced alarm systems as standard features—even on lower-end models. In the U.S., anti-theft features vary significantly by brand and model. Older vehicles are particularly vulnerable. In fact, the most stolen car in the U.S. in 2023 was the 2006 Ford F-150, a model with minimal anti-theft protection compared to modern standards. Interestingly, Japanese thieves prefer foreign-made luxury cars like Lexus or European brands over domestic brands, largely due to high resale value on the black market. Even then, car theft remains rare. 4. Urban Planning and Parking Behavior In Japan, it's common for vehicles to be parked in designated, secured, or indoor parking lots. Many residential areas require proof of a parking space before allowing car registration. This infrastructure significantly reduces opportunities for theft. Conversely, in many parts of the U.S., vehicles are parked on the street or in open driveways, often unattended for long periods—especially in suburbs. This increases their exposure to opportunistic theft. 5. Surveillance and Technology Use Japanese cities are heavily surveilled with CCTV cameras —not just in public areas but also near residential complexes and businesses. This makes it difficult for criminals to operate without being recorded. In the U.S., while major cities do employ surveillance, it's not as pervasive. Many suburban and rural areas lack public security infrastructure, making it easier for thieves to go undetected. 6. Insurance Systems and Reporting Accuracy One lesser-known factor is how car theft is reported and tracked. Japan's centralized insurance and police reporting system ensures that every theft is recorded with precision. In the U.S., discrepancies in how theft is defined, underreporting due to lack of insurance coverage, and misclassification can slightly skew data—but the scale of theft remains much higher regardless. Interesting Facts: Honda Civics and Accords are among the most stolen cars in the U.S.—not new models, but often from the early 2000s. Japan's most stolen vehicles are often Toyota SUVs or vans, but total thefts are extremely low by international standards. In Japan, even bicycles are frequently locked with two or more security devices; this culture of caution extends to cars. GPS tracking in Japan is widely used in both personal and commercial vehicles, and in some cases, includes remote engine disabling. What the U.S. Can Learn from Japan Reducing car theft in the United States doesn't require reinventing the wheel. Simple policy improvements like encouraging more secure parking, mandating immobilizers for older cars, and increasing neighborhood surveillance could lead to substantial reductions. Moreover, community-based policing and social programs can help create a deterrent rooted not just in punishment, but in values. Japan shows that when society collectively frowns upon crime—and reinforces that with legal, social, and infrastructural tools—car theft can become a statistical rarity. It is beyond statistics The stark contrast in car theft between the U.S. and Japan reveals much more than crime statistics—it's a window into societal structures, values, and policies. While it's unlikely the U.S. will replicate Japan's near-utopian safety levels overnight, adopting a few key lessons could steer things in the right direction. If you want to reduce your risk of car theft no matter where you live, remember this: park smart, lock up, and always stay one step ahead of those who think your car is theirs for the taking.
The National
a day ago
- The National
UAE imposes $11.4m in fines during first half of 2025 on money laundering offenders
The UAE has imposed fines of more than Dh42 million ($11.4 million) on private sector entities during the first half of 2025 for not complying with money laundering regulations, as the government continues its fight against illicit financing activities. A total of 1,063 breaches were discovered in the six months through the end of June across four categories, state news agency Wam quoted the Ministry of Economy of Tourism as saying on Thursday. Companies in the metals and gemstones sector committed 473 breaches, resulting in fines totalling Dh20 million, the ministry said. Real estate brokerages tallied 495 breaches that merited Dh18.5 million in penalties, while corporate service providers had 95 breaches, which resulted in fines of more than Dh4 million. The actions are part of the progress made by the ministry in developing its regulatory enforcement system, which is based on 'an advanced methodology aimed at ensuring the highest levels of compliance', said Safia Al Safi, assistant under-secretary for commercial control and governance at the ministry. The 'clear mechanism' for on-site inspections enables a business environment 'based on transparency and governance, and to activate proactive oversight tools to address risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing', she added. The UAE has made significant strides in the fight against financial crime in recent years. Effective policies on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism are key to the integrity and stability of the international financial system and the economies of nations, according to the International Monetary Fund. In September last year, the UAE announced a nationwide action plan aimed at boosting its fight against illicit financial activity by introducing the 2024-27 National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing. Last year, the government amended its laws on anti-money laundering, and the financing of terrorism and illegal organisations. A National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations has been formed as a result. And in a major vote of confidence, the EU earlier this month voted to remove the UAE from its list of countries that pose a high risk for money laundering and terrorist financing. The Financial Action Task Force, the global body that combats money laundering and terrorism financing, removed the UAE from its 'grey list' in February last year after significant progress on reforms. The Emirates was placed on that list in 2022. The imposition of administrative penalties primarily aims to 'encourage establishments to rectify their situations and improve their internal systems, particularly with regard to implementing due diligence procedures', Ms Al Safi said. This in turn would help in 'improving the quality of risk assessments and enhancing the reporting of suspicious transactions', she added.
