Financial crime is an ongoing problem in the UAE. According to a 2020 report from the International Monetary Fund, financial crimes cost the UAE economy billions of dollars each year. This criminal activity ranges from money laundering and fraud to bribery and counterfeiting. It has become more common as economic growth continues in the region, leading to a greater demand for illicit activities.
Financial crime can have severe consequences for both individuals and businesses in the UAE. Money laundering, for example, has been linked to organized crime networks operating within the country while fraud can lead to losses that take years to recover from. Bribery and other forms of corruption also remain an issue despite efforts by authorities to crack down on such activities.
The UAE, as a financial hub, has several regulatory authorities in place to protect investors and the general public.
Except for the Dubai International Financial Centre, the Central Bank of the UAE regulates banks and other financial institutions in the UAE (DIFC).
You can contact the authority by dialing 800 CBUAE - 800. (22823).
Except for the DIFC, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulates securities and commodities in the UAE.
To reach the authority, go to www.sca.ae or dial 800 SCAUAE (722823).
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is the DIFC's independent regulator of financial and ancillary services. You can file a complaint with them by completing the form found at dfsa.ae/Consumer/consumer#Complaints.
The Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) is the United Arab Emirates' supreme audit authority. The SAI is an independent organization that reports to the Federal National Council. SAI's mandate includes fighting fraud and corruption in addition to auditing federal government entities.
Visit saiuae.gov.ae/en/Pages/Report-Fraud.aspx to report a fraud to the SAI. and complete the detailed form, which requests that complainants provide or call 02 635 9999
People can file a complaint about crimes that occurred within the geographical boundaries of Dubai city at www.ecrime.ae.
You can also contact Dubai Police via their app, Dubai Police, or dial 901 for general inquiries.
You can also report a financial crime to the local police station.
To contact Abu Dhabi Police, go to the nearest police station, call the call centre at 8003333, or send an email to contactus@adpolice.gov.ae
To report a financial crime, go to https://www.shjpolice.gov.ae/EServices/EservicesList/Eservices?serviceID=2 or go to any of Sharjah's Comprehensive Police Stations.