The UAE and Spain expanded cooperation on financial crime, holding high-level meetings to strengthen cross-border efforts.
MADRID: A high-level UAE delegation led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee visited Madrid to boost bilateral cooperation with Spain in the fight against financial crimes. The mission coincided with broader diplomatic talks reinforcing UAE–Spain ties and advancing discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Bringing together senior representatives from both nations’ justice, law enforcement, and financial intelligence sectors, the meetings focused on combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. Delegates reviewed operational coordination, information exchange, asset recovery and mutual legal assistance mechanisms.
Engagements included Spain’s Ministry of the Presidency, Financial Intelligence Unit (SEPBLAC), Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, and prosecutorial bodies. Topics ranged from targeted sanctions and cross-border cash flows to trade-based money laundering and strategic cooperation frameworks.
UAE entities participating included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Public Prosecution, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation. Delegates shared updates on the UAE’s enhanced AML/CFT/CPF framework, legislative progress, and recent National Risk Assessment findings.
Both parties acknowledged the value of direct dialogue in strengthening cross-border cooperation and improving investigative outcomes. The mission concluded with agreement to continue technical exchanges and open a formal strategic dialogue between both countries.
The UAE also reaffirmed its commitment to the FATF evaluation process and highlighted improvements in institutional coordination and enforcement mechanisms. The visit builds on long-standing legal cooperation with Spain, including a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in place since 2010.
The mission reinforced the UAE’s growing global partnerships aimed at addressing financial crime and contributing to international financial system integrity.
