As per Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations, the following acts are considered money laundering:
◉ Transferring or moving proceeds to conceal their illegal source.
◉ Concealing or disguising the true nature or ownership of illicit funds.
◉ Acquiring or using proceeds while knowing their illegal origin.
◉ Assisting offenders in evading punishment.
Money laundering is recognized as an independent crime in the UAE, and individuals involved can face penalties irrespective of the original offence. The Central Bank of the UAE monitors suspicious activities such as large cash transfers, currency exchanges, and unusual business setups. All such transactions must be reported to the central authorities.
The UAE is committed to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. The government has established a strong regulatory framework, following international AML standards set by bodies such as FATF, MENAFATF, and the IMF. Compliance with AML regulations strengthens internal controls and supports the country’s economic security. However, managing AML compliance can be complex, and this is where AARMAK’s expertise comes in.