Dubai Police help dismantle international gang in operation with Spain and Serbia

As part of the UAE efforts to strengthen its role in supporting global security and in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing, the UAE, through Dubai Police helped dismantle one of the most dangerous cross border criminal gangs, known as the Vračarci clan, also called the Witchcrafters, after arresting the gang leader (Marko Dordevic).

This was achieved through the international operation “Haris,” carried out in close coordination with Europol and in cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Interior and the Spanish National Police.

Dubai Police explained that the arrest was undertaken as part of its ongoing work to combat organised crime and terrorism, in full coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Dubai Public Prosecution, and in line with all approved legal procedures. The arrest followed the receiving a Red Notice through the INTERPOL office at the Ministry of Interior.

The Serbian authorities led investigations into violent clashes between the Kavač and Škaljari clans in the Balkans. Since 2014 these conflicts have resulted in a series of murders, arson attacks and explosions that caused around sixty deaths across several countries.

During the investigation of a murder committed on 16 October 2025 in central Belgrade, the Serbian authorities identified the mastermind as Marko Dordevic, the leader of the Vračarci clan linked to the Kavač group. He was internationally wanted under a Red Notice and was residing in Dubai.

Based on this information, Dubai Police began international cooperation procedures in accordance with the approved legal frameworks. This led to the arrest of the main suspect, Marko Dordevic, marking a crucial step in the success of the international operation and in dismantling the gang’s leadership structure. 

 Operation “Haris” 

The name “Haris” was chosen as a symbol of the high level of coordination between all participating agencies. The operation targeted the Vračarci gang, also known as the Witchcrafters, which operates in Serbia, Spain and other countries.

In Serbia the authorities arrested ten gang members, carried out 22 raids in several areas including Belgrade and Šabac, and seized encrypted phones, luxury vehicles and watches, along with cash estimated at nearly 300,000 euro. 

In Spain two suspects were arrested during operations in Valencia and Barcelona with the support of the Spanish National Police. In the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, the gang leader (Marko Dordevic) was arrested in coordination with Europol, Eurojust and the Serbian authorities. The UAE also prepared all necessary evidence to complete international judicial cooperation procedures.

International praise for Dubai Police

Reports issued by Europol and by the Serbian and Spanish authorities highlighted that Dubai Police played a decisive and central role in completing the joint operation. Their contribution included information exchange, investigative support and the execution of arrest procedures according to the highest professional standards.

Participating agencies also praised the technical readiness and operational efficiency of Dubai Police, reflecting the UAE’s position as a key partner in international efforts to combat organised crime and terrorism.

Strengthening Global Security 

Dubai Police stated that the success of Operation “Haris” reflects the UAE’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies around the world. It also supports international efforts to dismantle cross border criminal networks, in line with the country’s vision of promoting security, stability and the rule of law at both regional and global levels.

Dubai Police and Spanish Authorities: Close and longstanding security cooperation 

Security cooperation between Dubai Police and the Spanish authorities has reached an advanced level, reflecting the strength of their partnership in tackling organised crime. Through information exchange in 26 cases, both sides have been able to track the movements of cross border criminal groups and improve the effectiveness of joint operations. 

This cooperation has resulted in 29 arrests of suspects internationally wanted by Spain, along with four successful handover operations. These achievements highlight the effectiveness of continuous coordination and a shared commitment to upholding the law and supporting an international justice system.