Dubai sets up special court to combat money laundering

DUBAI: Dubai has established a court focused on combating money laundering, the emirate’s media office said on Sunday.
The court, which was set up upon directives from Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, will be within the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal.
The move is in line with the UAE’s push to strengthen the integrity of the financial system.
The federal government in February set up the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing.
The new Dubai court aims to raise the UAE and Dubai’s global competitiveness by upholding the justice and transparency, the media office said.
“The new court will support Dubai’s efforts to tackle financial crimes, including money laundering, as part of the UAE’s wider endeavor to combat crime,” it added.
Taresh Al-Mansouri, director general of Dubai Courts, said the new court is part of a commitment to improve judicial efficiency and promote excellence in the administration of justice.

“Reporting money laundering crimes is both an individual and collective responsibility, Al-Mansouri said. “Society plays a critical role in safeguarding economic and social security and strengthening the efforts of various stakeholders in responding to such crimes.”
Judge Abdullah Al-Shamsi, head of the Criminal Court at the Court of First Instance, said the new specialized court strengthened the UAE’s efforts to bring financial criminals to justice.
“This represents another step in the development of the legislative framework and helps reinforce compliance with international anti-money laundering and law-enforcement standards,” he said.