33 suspects arrested as authorities secure Dh65 billion in assets linked to international criminal networks
SHARJAH – Sharjah Police have dismantled an international criminal network accused of plotting to kidnap and kill a digital asset holder to force him to surrender access to his cryptocurrency wallet.
A total of 33 suspects from 12 nationalities were arrested during a major crackdown dubbed Operation “End of the Battle”, conducted in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Interior.
Authorities said the operation uncovered four criminal networks allegedly involved in hacking, digital wallet theft, online fraud, extortion, money laundering and violent intimidation.
Police also secured assets valued at Dh65 billion linked to more than 30 companies and institutions worldwide.
Major General Omar Ahmad Abu Al Zoud, Director General of Criminal Investigations and Border Security at Sharjah Police, said officers intervened before the suspects could execute the alleged killing, preventing further violence against the intended victim.
Teenager’s digital wallet triggered investigation
Investigations reportedly began after authorities discovered a 15-year-old boy in possession of a digital wallet containing substantial sums of money, raising suspicions about the origins of the funds and possible overseas criminal connections.
Digital evidence allegedly linked the teenager to hacking, cryptocurrency theft, money laundering and online extortion.
As investigators pursued the suspected financial trail, they uncovered an alleged plan to kidnap and kill a digital asset holder and force the victim to disclose wallet access credentials.
Police monitored the teenager’s movements and arrested him before the alleged plot could be carried out. Subsequent investigations identified other suspected members of the criminal networks, with international cooperation helping authorities locate and apprehend key suspects abroad.
Four networks exposed
According to the investigation, the four networks operated in different but interconnected areas of organised crime.
The first allegedly specialised in hacking computer systems and stealing personal and financial information. The second focused on laundering suspected criminal proceeds through digital wallets and virtual assets, while the third used phishing, social engineering and wallet theft to defraud victims.
The fourth network allegedly posed the most direct physical threat, specialising in kidnapping, assault and violent intimidation to force victims to surrender access codes to their digital wallets.
Investigators said the groups allegedly used encrypted communications, dark web marketplaces and artificial intelligence-assisted fraud techniques to facilitate their activities and conceal financial transactions.
Billions in suspected money laundering
Sharjah Public Prosecution identified approximately Dh8.825 billion in suspected money-laundering transactions linked to the investigation.
Authorities seized more than Dh200 million, along with 17 luxury vehicles, 29 watches, jewellery and properties. Narcotics and counterfeiting equipment were also among the reported seizures.
Investigators examined more than 3,000 digital wallets to trace suspected criminal proceeds and establish connections between the alleged networks.
The Dh65 billion figure refers to assets secured worldwide, while the Dh8.825 billion represents suspected money laundering identified by prosecutors.
Police issue warning over passwords and OTPs
Following the operation, Major General Abu Al Zoud urged residents to protect their digital identities, verify the people they deal with and exercise caution when conducting financial transactions.
He warned that government authorities and banks would never ask customers to disclose passwords, confidential credentials or one-time passwords (OTPs).
Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant against suspicious messages, fraudulent investment offers and requests for sensitive personal information.
Sharjah Police said the operation demonstrated their commitment to tackling organised and cross-border crime, particularly criminal enterprises that combine sophisticated cyberattacks with extortion and physical violence.
The investigation highlights the growing risks associated with digital financial crime, where stolen information and virtual assets can become the targets of increasingly dangerous criminal operations.
