They can involve Dubai Police, federal authorities, and sector regulators at the same time.
Why does this matter now? Financial crime, corporate fraud, and AML enforcement sit at the intersection of criminal and regulatory powers. These powers often overlap, so one incident can attract multiple teams and legal tracks.
What starts these parallel files? In practice, one trigger sets several wheels in motion. A police complaint moves to Public Prosecution, which can pull in specialist bodies if the facts show financial or regulatory angles. At the same time, a regulator can open its own case from supervision work or STRs, without waiting for police.
My experience is that the FIU is often the bridge. STRs flow to the FIU, which shares intelligence with prosecutors, law enforcement, security bodies, and supervisors. That creates fast, parallel activity across agencies. The FIU’s domestic cooperation function exists to support end-to-end and parallel financial crime work. One STR can lead to several authorities opening files at once.
Here is how “parallel” usually looks on the ground. The same facts can produce a criminal file with police and prosecution, a regulatory enforcement case with a supervisor, and even civil litigation, each on its own track but touching the others. Foreign probes can also spark local cases, so a company can face UAE criminal, regulatory, and civil exposure at the same time.
What should a company do on day one?
- Map the scope
List every authority with a plausible mandate. Include police, Public Prosecution, the relevant sector regulator, and the FIU if AML issues appear. - Preserve evidence now
Secure email, messaging, trading records, payment logs, and device images. Gaps create risk when multiple agencies request the same data on different timelines. - Build one narrative, many formats
Prepare a factual core that stays constant, then tailor it to criminal and regulatory standards. This reduces the chance of inconsistent statements across files. - Coordinate disclosures
Expect simultaneous or staggered requests. Track every production, privilege call, and confidentiality restriction so one response does not conflict with another. - Use a single control room
Appoint a lead team to manage calendars, hold-orders, and response packs. Align counsel across criminal, regulatory, and civil tracks to avoid contradictions. - Watch for FIU-led momentum
If an STR likely exists, plan for rapid parallel steps by multiple bodies off the same trigger. Factor that into timing, communications, and remediation offers. - Anticipate cross-border effects
If the conduct overlaps with a foreign probe, prepare for local follow-on action and information requests that reference the foreign case.
The takeaway is simple. Parallel tracks are common in the UAE, and coordination improves outcomes. Move fast, stay consistent, and manage every interaction with the whole picture in mind.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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