UAE Steps Up Global War on Crypto Crime With Singapore Initiative

Represented by its International Affairs Office, the UAE MOI joined senior officials from multiple global bodies including INTERPOL, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the Royal Malaysian Police, Rabdan Academy, technology analysts, and private firms. The workshop, organised by the Secure Communities Forum in cooperation with Mastercard, drew law enforcement officers and security professionals from dozens of international organisations. Its focus was to provide technical training, share threat intelligence, and develop cooperative mechanisms to confront risks arising from cryptocurrency fraud, money laundering, illicit online activity, and emerging regulatory gaps.

Participants gave particular attention to three areas. The first was investigations and digital forensics, where advanced methods for tracing illicit cryptocurrency flows were discussed, along with new ways of tackling illicit online activity and improving forensic analysis of blockchain data.

The second was public-private cooperation, highlighting that tighter collaboration between law enforcement and private entities such as exchanges, blockchain analytics firms, and technology providers can help detect, prevent, and respond to cryptocrime faster. The third was regulatory and emerging risks, with experts addressing challenges around unregulated digital assets, evolving laws, and the need for jurisdictions to keep pace with innovation without leaving exploitable loopholes.

These recent moves build upon the UAE’s broader framework to address financial and cyber-enabled crime. In recent years, the country has introduced reforms that target fraud and unlicensed digital-asset activity, including tougher rules on how cryptocurrencies can be promoted or advertised. Authorities now have the power to impose substantial fines, ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dirhams and, in serious cases, detention for those who encourage dealing in assets that are not officially recognised or licensed in the country.

The UAE’s enhanced engagement reflects a growing recognition that cryptocurrency crime is not just a domestic concern but also a cross-border challenge affecting financial integrity and consumer protection. The Ministry of Interior’s involvement demonstrates political commitment and places law enforcement in direct exchange with international partners and private sector players. Recent legal reforms have made certain activities unlawful, such as online crypto scams and the unlicensed promotion of digital assets.

Building on this progress, the UAE’s regulatory environment is marked by the active involvement of multiple authorities, including VARA, the Securities and Commodities Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Each plays a role in shaping the sector, and their combined oversight reflects the breadth of the country’s commitment to developing a comprehensive and resilient framework for digital assets.

The UAE continues to position itself as a hub where innovation in digital assets can grow alongside strong safeguards. Authorities are working to balance opportunities in emerging technologies with measures that promote trust, transparency, and resilience, ensuring that both businesses and consumers can benefit from a secure and forward-looking environment.

The UAE’s participation in the Singapore workshop is more than symbolic. It reflects a moment when regulatory, operational, and technical frontiers in dealing with cryptocurrency-enabled crime are rapidly changing. The Ministry of Interior, by engaging globally and strengthening cooperation with private partners, appears to be positioning the country to respond more aggressively to crypto crime threats.