Money laundering and organized crime in the Middle East: The case of UAE and Egypt

This chapter examines money laundering and organized crime in the Middle East, focusing on the UAE and Egypt. The authors investigate how organized crime groups use methods like layering to launder funds, especially through informal international money transfer systems like hawala systems. The comparative analysis reveals major differences in economic, social, and law enforcement contexts, highlighting challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, corruption, and varying crime rates. Both countries have made legislative progress but need tailored approaches, including infrastructure upgrades, cultural shifts, public awareness, and international cooperation, to combat these issues effectively.