Abu Dhabi establishes dedicated court to tackle money laundering and tax evasion

New court aims to reinforce the country’s competitiveness

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is also the chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Abu Dhabi has a court to tackle money laundering and tax evasion.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, established the court on Tuesday, Wam reported.

The new court is tasked with helping to improve the litigation process and reinforce the country's competitiveness.

Youssef Al Abri, Under Secretary at the ADJD, said the new court will also support the development of the emirate's judicial system, ensure timely adjudication on cases and add to the expertise of judges.

The ADJD will now organise training for the judges and prosecutors who specialise in these cases.

The UAE has strict laws to deal with money laundering and financial crimes.

Earlier this year, the Central Bank said the UAE had made significant progress with a plan to combat money laundering and interrupt terrorist finances.

The Emirates is coordinating in areas such as governance and supervision with countries that share its commitment to fight financial crime, the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations said in August.

In June last year, the UAE become the first GCC country to launch goAML, a platform developed by the United Nations to thwart organised crime. More than 900 entities including, banks, insurance companies and money exchanges joined forces to help regulators clamp down on money laundering.

The establishment of the money laundering court follows sweeping changes announced at the weekend to the UAE's legal system with amendments to family law and other areas that affect daily lives.

This includes reforms to laws on divorce and separation, how wills and assets are divided, alcohol, suicide and the protection of women.