Dubai stories

Aug 9, 2026

Daniel Kinahan extradited from UAE to Ireland

The United Arab Emirates handed over alleged Irish crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan to Irish authorities after years in exile. Kinahan is wanted on organized crime charges and had been living in Dubai.

Aug 9, 2026·3 sources

Jul 31, 2026

Iran-linked Dubai exchange Shelbit processed $4 billion in alleged sanctions evasion

Dubai-based crypto exchange Shelbit processed over $4 billion since May 2024 through a network tied to Iranian gambling sites, the central bank, and the IRGC, according to Reuters investigations. At least $676 million was sent to Binance.

Jul 31, 2026·2 sources

Jun 29, 2026

Dubai's VARA Grants 50th Virtual Asset Service Provider License

Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority reached a milestone by granting its 50th VASP license, signaling continued growth in the emirate's regulated crypto market.

Jun 29, 2026·1 source

Apr 30, 2026

FBI and International Partners Arrest 276 Individuals in Global Crypto 'Pig Butchering' Crackdown

FBI-led operation resulted in 275 arrests in Dubai and one in Thailand, targeting cryptocurrency romance scam operations. European police separately arrested 10 people and dismantled three scam centers estimated to have stolen over $58 million.

Apr 30, 2026·2 sources

Top claims

▪Former Irish Police Commissioner Drew Harris estimated that the Kinahan organized crime group has generated more than €1 billion globally from its illicit activities.
▪Daniel Kinahan's lawyer stated to the BBC that Kinahan has no criminal record or convictions and that the allegations labeling him a crime boss are false and lack an evidential basis.
▪The United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Daniel Kinahan in April 2022 and offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.