UAE confiscations of illicit proceeds surge to Dhs4.23 billion in 2025

The UAE continued to strengthen its efforts to combat financial crime and recover assets linked to illicit activities, with local confiscations reaching Dhs4.23 billion in 2025, according to the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee.

The figure marks a significant increase from Dhs990 million recorded in 2021, meaning the value of confiscated assets in 2025 was more than four times the level recorded four years earlier.

The seized counterfeit goods on display.

The committee said the figures reflect the UAE’s continued efforts to develop an effective and comprehensive approach to pursuing illicit proceeds and recovering assets derived from criminal activities. Law enforcement authorities continued to implement local confiscation measures in financial crime cases throughout 2025, targeting assets suspected of being connected to illegal activities.

The committee highlighted the importance of confiscation as a key tool in combating financial crime, as it prevents criminals from retaining or benefiting from the proceeds generated through unlawful activities. Recovering such assets also strengthens the broader enforcement framework by ensuring that financial gains obtained through crime can be identified, seized and ultimately confiscated.

The substantial increase in confiscations over recent years underscores the UAE’s focus on strengthening financial investigations, enhancing cooperation among law enforcement and relevant authorities, and improving mechanisms for tracing and recovering criminal proceeds.

The committee said these measures form part of the UAE’s broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of its financial system and reinforce its commitment to tackling money laundering, terrorism financing and other forms of financial crime.