
UAE: Three money exchange houses fined Dh4.1 million for violating law
The fine was issued under Article 137 of Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018, which governs the Central Bank and the regulation of financial institutions in the UAE.
The financial sanction follows an investigation by the CBUAE, which uncovered deficiencies in the three companies' adherence to required AML/CFT policies and procedures.
The CBUAE reiterated its commitment to maintaining the transparency and integrity of the UAE's financial system. Through its regulatory role, the bank ensures that all exchange houses, along with their owners and staff, comply fully with UAE laws and standards.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE-led operation dismantles Amazon crime rings and seizes $64m in illicit assets
The UAE-led Operation Green Shield has dismantled multiple cross-border criminal networks operating across the Amazon Basin, resulting in 94 arrests and the seizure of illicit assets worth more than $64m. Spearheaded by the UAE Ministry of Interior through its International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), the campaign marks a new benchmark in tackling climate-related crimes. Over a two-week period, more than 1,500 officers across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru conducted 350 coordinated field operations, supported by a central command centre in Bogotá and cutting-edge geospatial technology. UAE busts Amazon crime gangs Key results of Operation Green Shield, include: 94 suspects arrested $64m in assets seized 310 tonnes of illegally extracted minerals confiscated 3,800 m³ of illegal timber seized More than 2,100 live animals rescued 6,350 deceased specimens recovered 530 units of heavy equipment impounded Authorities also disrupted major syndicates, including Colombia's notorious Clan del Golfo and Peru's Los Depredadores del Oriente gang, which was involved in wildlife trafficking and responsible for the illegal capture of 1,400 animals. Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior and Coordinator of the I2LEC Centre, praised the results and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to leading climate-related law enforcement globally. She stated that Operation Green Shield stands as a landmark achievement in climate-focused international enforcement. She added: 'The scale and speed of the outcomes reflect not only the strength of regional cooperation but also the growing determination of governments to treat environmental crimes as a top security issue. 'From rescuing thousands of animals to disrupting illicit economies worth tens of millions of dollars, the outcomes of Operation Green Shield send a clear message about the power of coordinated enforcement. I2LEC remains committed to enabling countries to act, share intelligence, and achieve meaningful gains for our environment and future generations.' بتوجيهات القيادة الرشيدة بأهمية حماية البيئة واستدامة مواردها، تواصل دولة الإمارات تنفيذ مبادرتها العالمية 'إنفاذ القانون من أجل المناخ' (I2LEC)، التي أُطلقت بالشراكة مع مكتب الأمم المتحدة المعني بالمخدرات والجريمة (UNODC) خلال مؤتمر 'كوب 28' عام 2023، بهدف تعزيز قدرات أجهزة… — سيف بن زايد آل نهيان (@SaifBZayed) July 8, 2025 Operation Green Shield also showcased the use of advanced tools like Esri's ArcGIS Mission, enabling real-time tracking and secure communication in remote jungle areas. The I2LEC Centre played a critical role in coordinating intelligence, synchronising enforcement across borders, and providing vital equipment to participating forces. The campaign builds on the momentum of Operation Green Justice in 2024, strengthening partnerships and reinforcing I2LEC's vision to treat environmental crime as a top-tier global security threat. South American praise for UAE efforts Senior officials from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador praised the UAE's leadership: Colombia's National Police hailed progress against illegal mining and fuel theft Ecuador's police said their first I2LEC operation marked a turning point in cross-border enforcement Peru affirmed its long-term commitment to Amazon protection Brazil expressed pride in disrupting gold mining operations and reaffirmed its commitment to environmental integrity Launched in 2023 by the UAE Ministry of Interior and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), I2LEC has already trained over 2,000 officers, supported global operations, and positioned the UAE as a leader in climate-related enforcement.


Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
RTA selects Parsons as project management consultant for Dubai Metro Blue Line
US-based Parsons Corporation, known for its design and delivery across diverse technologies, has been appointed as the project management consultant on the Dubai Metro Blue Line project by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Blue Line, spanning 30km and including 14 stations, is expected to commence operations in 2029. Parsons will provide comprehensive project management services, including design review, procurement support, construction supervision, testing and commissioning oversight, and project handover management. Dubai Metro Blue Line Parsons was involved with the first the Green Line. Apart from that, the Chantilly, Virginia-based company has also delivered projects such as the new Abu Dhabi International Airport and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Dubai Design District. Parsons has also worked with the RTA on the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, the iconic Infinity Bridge, and more than 100 highway, bridge and tunnel projects across the emirate. Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons, said: ''We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA's goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai's growing population. 'Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.' Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development, RTA, added: 'We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company's extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in RTA's success and achievements. 'The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. 'The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.' The Metro Blue Line will enhance connectivity between key districts, including Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour, and Festival City. Upon completion, the line is expected to accommodate up to 320,000 passengers per day. Established in 1944, Parsons has a regional presence for over 65 years. It has worked with more than 400 rail and transit clients globally, managing complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion.


Gulf Today
3 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Filipino workers' digitisation project enters second day
A three-year digitalisation project of the Philippines' Migrant Workers Office-Dubai (MWO-Dubai) has been adopted by the two-year-old Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and is now on its second day of its month-long pilot-testing. Launched on July 7 with 81 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) successfully submitting 'within four hours' all the required documents despite 'minor technical glitches,' this is the beefed up Optional Online Employment Contract Verification System, guaranteed to be safe and secure as it is compliant with the Data Privacy Act 2022 of the Philippines. Labour Attache in Dubai and the Northern Emirates John Rio Bautista termed the project as a 'game-changing system' because staggered debit/credit card online payment, amounting to Dhs61.50, has been added to the Optional Online Employment Verification System, effected since June 2022 and which was able to certify 50,000 job contracts. DMW improved the MWO-Dubai project so that OFWs have the choice of adhering to the Philippine Government requirement of job contract verification right in the comfort of their homes or offices. MWO-Dubai and DataFlow Group, a globally-recognised leader in credentials verification and workforce mobility technology, signed the first Memorandum of Agreement last year and for the enhanced Optional Online Employment Contract Verification System on June 6, 2024. 'The project is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to digitalise vital government services. We would be saving time and precious resources,' said Bautista. Moreover, the enhanced procedure addresses overcrowding and the consequent overall health issues such as fatigue, stress, anxiety and anger of all concerned which include employers. In the case of MWO-Dubai, and on a typical ordinary day, between two and four of the 24-manpower, evaluate a maximum of 250 onsite job contract verification applications. The number increases to 'as high as a thousand a day' during Christmas, Holy Month of Ramadan and towards summer when OFWs take a break and spend time with their kin and kith. Bautista was hopeful that the upgraded system shall eventually be applied to the other 33 MWOs across Asia (11), Middle East (12), Europe (7), and the Americas (3), adding that MWO-Abu Dhabi would 'soon' join the pilot-testing. Thus, OFWs and other stakeholders in the capital and the Western Region are also going to benefit aside from those in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Before logging into the official MWO website, the applicants must make sure that they have on hand their valid Philippine passport, Emirates Identification Card, and Employment Contract plus their unexpired debit/credit cards as they have to pay at once Dhs21.50 convenience fee for the documents submission to DataFlow Group. 'The fee helps cover the system maintenance and validation services,' said Bautista. Waiting time for the release and download of the verified employment contract, considering that all the required documents are submitted, is three days. A verification fee of Dhs40.00 is paid to the MWO. 'A separate online payment gateway charge of Dhs1.00 will be charged when paying the verification fee and this will go directly to the bank,' said Bautista. In the Monday interview, Bautista mentioned as well the 'direct link' of the upgraded Optional Online Employment Contract Verification System 'to the DMW Portal E-Registration system' that automatically generates the Overseas Employment Certificate. It has been a practice – at least among OFWs in the UAE – to have their employment contracts verified when they are going to spend their annual breaks in their country, even as the job contract verification must be ideally done immediately after their respective employment has become official. Thus, the mention of the OEC application which the Philippine Government requires so that there is a supporting data showing that vacationing OFWs are indeed returning to their respective current jobsites and not elsewhere. From the June 2022 pilot-testing of the Optional Online Employment Contract Verification System interview, Bautista reiterated the relevance of the strict adherence to job contract verification as a paper trail of reviewed and approved employment contract documents are pieces of evidence in case of labour problems.