Dubai Police nabs key suspect in global tax fraud

A key suspect involved in an international tax fraud scheme has been nabbed by Dubai Police as part of a global operation involving law enforcement agencies from 15 countries.

'Operation Pitstop' led to the arrest of several wanted individuals in various countries.

Dubai Police’s role in the operation included the arrest of an Italian national, who had travelled to the UAE from Japan.

He is a key figure in an organised crime syndicate involved in a major tax fraud scheme, which was conducted through companies based in Spain, Romania, and Estonia, but operated from Italy.

These firms allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities through e-commerce platforms, systematically submitting false value-added tax (VAT) declarations of sales amounting to over €40 million (nearly AED 160 million).

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, highlighted the force's commitment to working with global law enforcement agencies and sharing knowledge and intelligence with them to tackle complex cross-border crimes.

.@DubaiPoliceHQ plays crucial role in global operation codenamed 'Operation Pit Stop’; arrests key suspect in €40 million tax fraud. https://t.co/6ggiylGoae #Dubai pic.twitter.com/GTLZ8kcrGx

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 25, 2024