Hawala operators held in crackdown

Dubai: The UAE security forces have arrested a number of hawala operators following a major crackdown launched last week, sources said. A Dubai Police statement confirmed the action.

"Police officials have rounded up a number of hawala operators from Deira and shut down their operations. Some of the offices were located near the Gold Souq and Murshid Bazaar," a source told Gulf News.

A Dubai Police statement said the authorities have apprehended a criminal organisation involved in money laundering operations.

It confirmed that a group involving Asian, European and American citizens have misused financial institutions, "assisted by some staff to conceal such crimes, against commissions".