Dubai, as per a report released on Tuesday (May 14) has emerged as a meeting point for criminals from across the world.&nbsp;

A collaboration of over 70 media outlets and Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) titled 'Dubai Unlocked' has revealed that the city "has opened its doors to hundreds of people accused of criminality around the globe."&nbsp;

Dubai is where dubious individuals, from "alleged money launderers and drug lords, to political figures accused of corruption and businessmen sanctioned for financing terrorism," all clean their cash through real estate.

But Why Dubai? Here's what the report says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-unlocked-committed-to-deter-all-forms-of-illicit-finance-says-uae-721616">Dubai Unlocked: UAE vows to crack down on all forms of illicit finance</a>

<h2>Dubai: A crossroads of commerce and criminals?</h2>

Dubai, which "has long served as a crossroads for commerce" has now "become a meeting point for men and women from around the globe who have been accused of criminality and corruption."

As per the report "for those looking to launder or hide cash" Dubai, which has a reputation for financial secrecy, low taxes, and an ever-expanding spread of valuable real estate, is an appealing option.

However, it adds that Dubai is far from the only city that attracts criminals looking to stash their wealth.&nbsp;

"New York City and London real estate have also been known to attract dirty money," says the report.

<h2>But, why Dubai?</h2>

According to experts interviewed by OCCRP, several factors contribute to Dubai's appeal as a place to stash wealth, "particularly for those who are thwarted by sanctions from owning property in Western democracies, or are on the run from law enforcement".

One major factor, it says, is the "emirate's inconsistent responses to requests from foreign authorities for help arresting and extraditing fugitives."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-leaks-expansive-report-mentions-zardari-musharrafs-secret-properties-721466">Report reveals properties of Zardari, Musharraf among 17000 Pakistanis in global financial hub</a>

According to Radha Stirling, an attorney and human rights advocate leading the legal assistance organisation 'Detained in Dubai,' UAE authorities use high-profile fugitives as "bargaining chips."

"The presence of extradition agreements between nations are not necessarily key to whether or not people are extradited," said Stirling.

According to Sauod Abdulaziz Almutawa, an officer from Dubai police’s anti-money laundering department, "What matters is what Dubai wants in return and whether that nation has something they want enough to barter."

Emirate's justice system, as per Jodi Vittori, a Georgetown University professor studying corruption and illicit finance, is 'a black hole'.

"It is unclear why the UAE will work with some law enforcement in some cases to arrest criminals located in the UAE and in other cases, they do not," she told OCCRP adding, "In many ways, the UAE is a law enforcement black hole."

(With inputs from agencies)

Dubai, as per a report released on Tuesday (May 14) has emerged as a meeting point for criminals from across the world. A collaboration of over 70 media outlets and Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) titled 'Dubai Unlocked' has revealed that the city "has opened its doors to hundreds of people accused of criminality around the globe.

Dubai, as per a report released on Tuesday (May 14) has emerged as a meeting point for criminals from across the world. A collaboration of over 70 media outlets and Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) titled 'Dubai Unlocked' has revealed that the city "has opened its doors to hundreds of people accused of criminality around the globe." Dubai is where dubious individuals, from "alleged money launderers and drug lords, to political figures accused of corruption and businessmen sanctioned for financing terrorism," all clean their cash through real estate. But Why Dubai? Here's what the report says. Also read | Dubai Unlocked: UAE vows to crack down on all forms of illicit finance Dubai: A crossroads of commerce and criminals? Dubai, which "has long served as a crossroads for commerce" has now "become a meeting point for men and women from around the globe who have been accused of criminality and corruption." As per the report "for those looking to launder or hide cash" Dubai, which has a reputation for financial secrecy, low taxes, and an ever-expanding spread of valuable real estate, is an appealing option. However, it adds that Dubai is far from the only city that attracts criminals looking to stash their wealth. "New York City and London real estate have also been known to attract dirty money," says the report. But, why Dubai? According to experts interviewed by OCCRP, several factors contribute to Dubai's appeal as a place to stash wealth, "particularly for those who are thwarted by sanctions from owning property in Western democracies, or are on the run from law enforcement". One major factor, it says, is the "emirate's inconsistent responses to requests from foreign authorities for help arresting and extraditing fugitives." Also read: Report reveals properties of Zardari, Musharraf among 17000 Pakistanis in global financial hub According to Radha Stirling, an attorney and human rights advocate leading the legal assistance organisation 'Detained in Dubai,' UAE authorities use high-profile fugitives as "bargaining chips." "The presence of extradition agreements between nations are not necessarily key to whether or not people are extradited," said Stirling. According to Sauod Abdulaziz Almutawa, an officer from Dubai police’s anti-money laundering department, "What matters is what Dubai wants in return and whether that nation has something they want enough to barter." Emirate's justice system, as per Jodi Vittori, a Georgetown University professor studying corruption and illicit finance, is 'a black hole'. "It is unclear why the UAE will work with some law enforcement in some cases to arrest criminals located in the UAE and in other cases, they do not," she told OCCRP adding, "In many ways, the UAE is a law enforcement black hole." (With inputs from agencies)

'Dubai Unlocked': Why has the city become a safe haven for alleged criminals and corrupt figures?

Spotlight on the 'Dubai Unlocked' Data leak report: Some $251 million worth of properties have been discovered that has been bought by criminals convicted in British courts and people who have failed to pay debts in the UK. Watch in for more details!

'Dubai Unlocked' Data Leak: British criminals buy properties in Dubai

Dubai Unlocked, the international investigation into the owners of real estate in Dubai has exposed how Dubai's real estate market is used to stash ill-gotten money from around the world.

The report, titled 'How Dirty Money Finds a Home in Dubai Real Estate,' was put together by journalists from 74 different organisations in 58 countries after an investigation spanning over six months revealed&nbsp;who owns what in the Middle Eastern financial hub, and how the city has opened its doors to hundreds of people accused of criminality around the globe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-leaks-expansive-report-mentions-zardari-musharrafs-secret-properties-721466">Report reveals properties of Zardari, Musharraf among 17000 Pakistanis in global financial hub</a>

Responding to an investigation from the OCCRP regarding the Dubai Unlocked data, the United Arab Emirates embassy in Oslo emphasised its strong commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system.

“The UAE takes its role in protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously,” the statement from the embassy said.

The embassy further said, “In its ongoing hunt of global criminals, the UAE is working closely with international partners to interrupt and prevent all forms of illegal finance”.

The UAE has also said that it is committed to constant efforts and actions more than ever today and over the longer term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-sweeping-privatisation-plan-amid-imf-loan-negotiations-721431">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations</a>

According to a report, Indian citizens lead among non-residents purchasing properties in Dubai, with 29,700 Indians owning 35,000 properties in the city. 
&nbsp;

<h2>What is Dubai Unlocked?</h2>

Dubai Unlocked is an investigation into the owners of real estate in Dubai.

A collaboration that involved 74 media outlets reveals who owns what in Dubai and how the city has opened its doors to hundreds of people with criminal backgrounds around the globe.

<h2>How Dubai tackled money laundering within its real estate sector?</h2>

As per the UAE authorities, real estate agents, brokers, and corporate service providers have stepped up reporting of doubtful transactions, and the cumulative amount of fines issued by anti-money laundering authorities has tripled since 2022.

Watch:&nbsp;'Dubai Unlocked' report names top Pakistani lawmakers

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In order to hunt global criminals, the UAE works closely with international partners to disrupt and deter all forms of illicit finance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dubai Unlocked, the international investigation into the owners of real estate in Dubai has exposed how Dubai's real estate market is used to stash ill-gotten money from around the world.

Dubai Unlocked, the international investigation into the owners of real estate in Dubai has exposed how Dubai's real estate market is used to stash ill-gotten money from around the world. The report, titled 'How Dirty Money Finds a Home in Dubai Real Estate,' was put together by journalists from 74 different organisations in 58 countries after an investigation spanning over six months revealed who owns what in the Middle Eastern financial hub, and how the city has opened its doors to hundreds of people accused of criminality around the globe. Also read: Report reveals properties of Zardari, Musharraf among 17000 Pakistanis in global financial hub Responding to an investigation from the OCCRP regarding the Dubai Unlocked data, the United Arab Emirates embassy in Oslo emphasised its strong commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system. “The UAE takes its role in protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously,” the statement from the embassy said. The embassy further said, “In its ongoing hunt of global criminals, the UAE is working closely with international partners to interrupt and prevent all forms of illegal finance”. The UAE has also said that it is committed to constant efforts and actions more than ever today and over the longer term. Also read | Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations According to a report, Indian citizens lead among non-residents purchasing properties in Dubai, with 29,700 Indians owning 35,000 properties in the city. What is Dubai Unlocked? Dubai Unlocked is an investigation into the owners of real estate in Dubai. A collaboration that involved 74 media outlets reveals who owns what in Dubai and how the city has opened its doors to hundreds of people with criminal backgrounds around the globe. How Dubai tackled money laundering within its real estate sector? As per the UAE authorities, real estate agents, brokers, and corporate service providers have stepped up reporting of doubtful transactions, and the cumulative amount of fines issued by anti-money laundering authorities has tripled since 2022. Watch: 'Dubai Unlocked' report names top Pakistani lawmakers × In order to hunt global criminals, the UAE works closely with international partners to disrupt and deter all forms of illicit finance. (With inputs from agencies)

Dubai Unlocked: UAE vows to crack down on all forms of illicit finance

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'Dubai Unlocked': Why has the city become a safe haven for alleged criminals and corrupt figures?

'Dubai Unlocked' Data Leak: British criminals buy properties in Dubai

Dubai Unlocked: UAE vows to crack down on all forms of illicit finance