Sharjah Police dismantle international cybercrime operation, secure AED65 billion in company assets

Sharjah Police bust global cybercrime network, secure AED65 billion in assets

Sharjah Police General Command announced Thursday the dismantling of a major international cybercrime operation, securing company assets valued at approximately AED65 billion (USD 17.7 billion) and arresting 33 suspects from 12 nationalities. The investigation exposed four interconnected criminal networks whose members played overlapping roles in what authorities describe as one of the largest organized cybercrime operations to target the region.

Investigation origins

The investigation began when authorities noticed a young individual displaying unusual expertise in reading stock market movements and managing financial assets. Surveillance and monitoring revealed connections to four criminal networks that had exploited encrypted digital platforms to conceal illegal activities spanning multiple countries.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, said during a media briefing that the operation achieved objectives beyond arrests. The work protected critical interests and assets while preventing potential economic, security and financial damage that could have resulted from the criminal activities.

Growing cyber threat environment

The breakthrough comes as the UAE confronts an intensifying cyber threat environment. The country now faces approximately 800,000 cyberattacks daily, representing a four-fold increase from earlier levels of around 200,000 daily attacks. UAE organizations experienced an average of 2,521 cyberattacks per week in September 2026 alone, marking a 47 percent year-on-year increase.

Lieutenant General Bin Amer credited the outcome to integrated institutional work and sustained security efforts involving federal, local and international partners. He highlighted the support provided by His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, whose backing has helped establish security capabilities capable of addressing evolving challenges.

The commander praised the Public Prosecution in the Emirate of Sharjah for its role in supporting the emirate's security framework. He emphasized that coordination between prosecution, security and police authorities strengthens efforts to uphold the rule of law, protect rights and combat crime effectively.

Legal framework and prosecution

The suspects will be prosecuted under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, which came into force in January 2022. The legislation provides the legal framework for addressing digital crimes, with penalties for cybercrimes ranging from three years imprisonment for unauthorized system access to ten years for online fraud.

International cooperation

The operation reflects broader efforts by UAE authorities to combat cross-border cybercrime through international cooperation. In September 2026, the UAE signed a Working Arrangement with Eurojust to strengthen judicial cooperation against serious transnational crimes including cybercrime, money laundering and fraud. The country also hosted the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi that same month, calling for stronger global collaboration.

The Ministry of Interior is currently conducting Operation Confrontation Ghost, involving 30 countries, two international organizations and 13 private sector partners to combat AI-enabled fraud and cross-border financial crimes. According to the UAE Cyber Security Council, cyberattack sources have been tracked to approximately 20 countries, with over 350 organized groups, 320 individual hackers and around 5,000 Telegram channels under surveillance.

Continued commitment to security

This operation builds on Sharjah Police's track record in dismantling cybercrime networks. In September 2025, authorities successfully broke up a 13-member cyber fraud ring involved in phantom rental scams during an operation called The Web of Illusion.

Lieutenant General Bin Amer stressed that protecting society and maintaining security remain firm priorities for Sharjah Police General Command. He warned that anyone attempting to exploit technology or digital platforms to commit crimes or threaten security would face a vigilant system equipped with advanced capabilities and expertise. Authorities would continue tracking offenders, making arrests and bringing criminals to justice to protect society and uphold the rule of law.