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Desert Shadows: Uncovering the Underworld of Drug Cartels and Mafia Networks in the UAE
"Desert Uncovering the Underworld of Drug Cartels and Mafia Networks in the UAE" is a comprehensive exploration of the emergence and growth of organized crime in the United Arab Emirates. The book delves into the historical, economic, political, and social factors that have contributed to the rise of drug cartels and mafia groups in the region, and it investigates the impact these criminal organizations have on the UAE's society and economy. The book examines the distribution networks and roles of local and international players in the drug trade, as well as the various activities of key mafia groups, including money laundering, financial crimes, human trafficking, and prostitution. It reveals the complex connections between drug cartels and mafia organizations, focusing on their mutual interests, collaboration, and the global impact of their alliance. Additionally discussed as tools these groups use to further their illegal activities are the dark web and cybercrime. In response to the growing presence of organized crime in the UAE, the book analyzes law enforcement strategies, challenges, and international cooperation efforts to combat these criminal networks. It also highlights the importance of prevention and public awareness programs to educate and protect the public from the dangers posed by organized crime. The future of organized crime in the UAE is assessed in terms of emerging trends, challenges, and potential solutions. The role of technology and innovation in the fight against organized crime is emphasized, as are the broader implications of addressing this issue for the international community. "Desert Shadows" serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complex dynamics of organized crime in the UAE and the urgent need to address its growing presence in order to safeguard the nation's stability, prosperity, and global reputation.
183 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2023
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December 26, 2023
This book focuses on the many problems facing the modern state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
There is a great deal of corruption at several levels. Their financial system has attracted investment from many different sources - some legitimate, but unfortunately many from criminal networks – like the Italian mafia, Russian mobsters, African gold traders, the Indian and Pakistani mafia, and even the cartels from Colombia and Mexico.
These criminal syndicates use the lack of regulations to launder money, buy real estate, and traffic drugs and people. It should be noted the close geographical proximity of the UAE to Afghanistan – the largest heroin producer in the world. There are free trade zones within the UAE that lack regulations. Shell companies make it difficult to trace the real owners. The UAE has modern port facilities and airports. All this is conducive to attract underworld criminals – and it is astonishing how quickly they realized this and established themselves.
There is also a large population of foreign workers – mostly from India, Pakistan and Africa. They are poorly paid, if at all; there is much bonded labour. I was disappointed that the author did not elaborate on this. Some of these foreign workers are recruited to work for criminal organizations.
Despite this book being only 170 pages, I felt it too long. There is a great deal of repetition. For example, we are told over and over again that the “UAE’s strategic position, advanced infrastructure, and global connectivity make it an attractive hub.” In effect, this book is poorly written.
There are no extensive interviews or profiles of key people living in the UAE. It was as if the author was flying at 20,000 feet and not seeing details on the ground. The book had a superficial feel, it lacked depth. We come out of it knowing nobody in the UAE.
The author states that the UAE is making progress – but provides no concrete examples. Legislation is passed, but this is only paper.
The various underworld groups seem too deeply entrenched to simply vacate the UAE. One does not merely ask Russian mobsters to leave.
Also, the author mentions that the UAE is a tourist attraction. What type of tourists? What are the attractions?
I did get some information about this Gulf state, but not enough.
There is a great deal of corruption at several levels. Their financial system has attracted investment from many different sources - some legitimate, but unfortunately many from criminal networks – like the Italian mafia, Russian mobsters, African gold traders, the Indian and Pakistani mafia, and even the cartels from Colombia and Mexico.
These criminal syndicates use the lack of regulations to launder money, buy real estate, and traffic drugs and people. It should be noted the close geographical proximity of the UAE to Afghanistan – the largest heroin producer in the world. There are free trade zones within the UAE that lack regulations. Shell companies make it difficult to trace the real owners. The UAE has modern port facilities and airports. All this is conducive to attract underworld criminals – and it is astonishing how quickly they realized this and established themselves.
There is also a large population of foreign workers – mostly from India, Pakistan and Africa. They are poorly paid, if at all; there is much bonded labour. I was disappointed that the author did not elaborate on this. Some of these foreign workers are recruited to work for criminal organizations.
Despite this book being only 170 pages, I felt it too long. There is a great deal of repetition. For example, we are told over and over again that the “UAE’s strategic position, advanced infrastructure, and global connectivity make it an attractive hub.” In effect, this book is poorly written.
There are no extensive interviews or profiles of key people living in the UAE. It was as if the author was flying at 20,000 feet and not seeing details on the ground. The book had a superficial feel, it lacked depth. We come out of it knowing nobody in the UAE.
The author states that the UAE is making progress – but provides no concrete examples. Legislation is passed, but this is only paper.
The various underworld groups seem too deeply entrenched to simply vacate the UAE. One does not merely ask Russian mobsters to leave.
Also, the author mentions that the UAE is a tourist attraction. What type of tourists? What are the attractions?
I did get some information about this Gulf state, but not enough.
Displaying 1 of 1 review