Police in the United Arab Emirates and Sweden have arrested seven people after investigators traced cryptocurrency transactions through an international money laundering network that allegedly handled 70 million Swedish krona ($7.1 million) over 10 months and had financial links to organized crime and contract killings.
According to the UAE Ministry of Interior, the suspected leader, a Swedish national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, was detained in the Emirates. Six other alleged members of the network were arrested simultaneously in Sweden following coordinated investigations and intelligence sharing between authorities in both countries.
No specific cryptocurrencies were identified by officials. Cash generated from criminal activity was allegedly collected and redirected to other criminal groups, while cryptocurrencies were used to transfer and move the value of some of the funds. Analysis of crypto transfers and other digital evidence helped investigators identify financial connections with organized crime and contract killings.
Sweden has increased efforts to seize cryptocurrency and other assets connected to criminal networks. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer had called for more aggressive enforcement, and by mid-2025 authorities had seized 80 million Swedish krona under rules allowing seizure of property when ownership cannot be reasonably explained. Swedish police have also documented the use of young recruits in gang violence and contract killings.
Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, director general of the Federal Criminal Police at the UAE Ministry of Interior, said authorities would continue to track criminal networks and disrupt their sources of financing. Anders Wiberg, head of the Swedish Police Authority’s international division, described cooperation with the Emirates as a key factor in the case. Legal proceedings have been opened against all seven suspects, though specific charges, wallets, exchanges and transaction amounts have not been disclosed.
