Dubai Police record 447 Economic Crimes in 2022, confiscate items worth over Dhs1.4b

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Department of Anti-Economic Crime at Dubai Police has arrested 497 accused and recorded 447 economic crime cases, and made confiscations with an estimated value exceeding Dhs1.4 billion.

According to Major General Jamal Salem Al-Jallaf, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigations at Dubai Police, the arrests of those involved in economic crimes were made through a precise action plan in coordination with trademark partners, pointing out that regular meetings are held between brands’ representatives and officers of the Department of Anti-Economic Crime to explore methods and tools to detect counterfeit goods.

He confirmed that Dubai has earned the confidence and trust of various prestigious international brands for its phenomenal efforts in combating economic crimes.

Dr Colonel Khalid Saleh Al Sheikh, Director of the Anti-Economic Crime Department, said that the cases varied between piracy, commercial fraud, counterfeiting, sorcery, and forgery. He confirmed that the Department works around the clock to combat economic crimes and they are present across various traditional and smart channels.

Colonel Al Sheikh noted that last year, the Department, through its three sections- the Anti-Counterfeits Section, the Anti-Fraud Section, and the Anti-Commercial Fraud and Piracy Section –recorded 447 cases involving 497 accused with Dhs1,432,588,825 worth of seized goods, documents and items as follows:

•             Counterfeits:  245 cases, 262 accused, and AED 1,270,226,110 worth of seized goods;

•             Commercial Fraud: 154 cases, 167 accused, and AED 110,406,120 worth of seized items;

•             Forgery: 48 cases, 68 accused, and AED 51,916,595 worth of seized items.

Colonel Al Sheikh further explained that the Department of Anti-Economic Crime at Dubai Police has been keen to organise training workshops in coordination with partners and trademark owners to develop the capabilities of personnel working in combating economic crimes.