US national Asim Ghafoor arrested in Dubai for money laundering: UAE Embassy

Jalil Afridi

WASHINGTON DC: US national Asim Ghafoor was arrested by UAE authorities on July 14 on his arrival at Dubai airport on charges of money laundering and tax evasion.

According to an official from UAE embassy in Washington DC, activities of Asim Ghafoor were being monitored since 2020 and investigations were initiated after official request from the US Justice Department.

The UAE embassy further stated that this case is a perfect example of cooperation between UAE and the United States to prevent transnational financial crimes and illicit flow of money.

It is also pertinent to mention that a journalist had asked a question about the arrest of Asim Ghafoor during press briefing at the White House. National Security communication cordinator, John Kirby had denied having information about his arrest and had referred the journalist to contact US State Department.

It is also pertinent to mention here that Asim Ghafoor who is an attorney by professional had worked with Jamal Khashogi to form a think tank called DAWN, Democracy in Arab World Now.

Mr Ghafoor next hearing is scheduled on August 9 and he is being provided access to an attorney and US embassy staff is also in touch with him.

While speaking to a local journalist, he opined that such cooperation between the UAE authorities and US is great and it should be utilized to catch those Afghan US citizens who minted million of dollars from US authorities and have stashed that wealth in the kingdom of UAE.