Most financial crime matters begin without an arrest. An account is frozen, a transfer is blocked, or a company receives a request for information, and the person affected has no idea what has triggered it or what they are supposed to do.
Dubai Legal Expert advises individuals and companies facing money laundering allegations, account freezes and financial crime investigations across the UAE, and acts urgently where funds or business operations are affected.
The UAE anti money laundering framework requires banks and designated businesses to report suspicious transactions, and a report can lead to accounts being restricted while the matter is examined. The account holder is frequently not told the reason.
Establishing the legitimate origin of funds is usually the centre of the response. Bank records, contracts, invoices, tax documentation and evidence of the underlying commercial activity are what resolve most of these matters, provided the response is prompt and complete.
Urgent action where accounts have been restricted, including engagement with the bank and relevant authority.
Assembling contracts, invoices, statements and documentation establishing the legitimate origin of funds.
Representation where a criminal file has been opened, from prosecution stage through trial and appeal.
Advice for companies responding to information requests, inspections and internal exposure.
Submissions and remediation where the underlying issue is a compliance failure rather than criminal conduct.
A frozen account damages a business daily, so the response is prepared and submitted as quickly as the evidence allows.
A documented chain from origin to receipt, which is what actually resolves most of these matters.
Direct written engagement with the bank and the relevant authority rather than waiting to be contacted.
Where a criminal file exists, the underlying report and evidence are examined for the actual basis of the suspicion.
Parallel advice for the company and its officers where both face exposure from the same matter.
Where the real issue is a compliance gap, remediation is documented to demonstrate good faith.
Financial crime matters are rarely resolved by explanation alone. The question is always whether the movement of funds can be traced to a legitimate and documented source, and assertions without records do not answer it.
Our approach is therefore to build the documentary chain first and submit it as a complete package. A partial response invites further questions and extends the period during which funds remain unavailable.
Establish the source, document it fully, then submit a complete response.
We establish what has been restricted, by whom and on what apparent basis, and identify the urgent steps.
Contracts, invoices, statements, tax records and evidence of the underlying activity are assembled.
Written engagement setting out the position with the supporting documentation attached in full.
Where a file has been opened, submissions are made to the prosecution addressing the basis of suspicion.
Where the issue is a compliance gap, remediation is implemented and documented to demonstrate good faith.
The matter concludes through release of funds and closure, or proceeds to full defence at trial.
Accounts can be restricted following a suspicious transaction report, a court or execution order, or a compliance review. The bank is often not permitted to explain the reason.
A request to document where money came from, supported by contracts, invoices, statements and evidence of the underlying commercial activity.
That depends on the basis of the restriction and the completeness of the response, which is why a full documented submission is prepared rather than a partial one.
The anti money laundering framework provides for substantial fines and imprisonment, and companies as well as individuals can face exposure.
Yes. Corporate and individual exposure can run in parallel, and both need to be addressed together.
Take advice first. An incomplete or inconsistent explanation given early can complicate the position considerably.
Bring us the bank correspondence and the underlying documents. The first consultation is free and confidential.
Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.
