Full UAE government statement in relation to Venezuelan oil inquiry

Tue 29/12/2020
General
With regards to Reuters inquiry about the three UAE-based companies Muhit Maritime FZE, registered in Jebel Ali Free Zone, and Fujairah Free Zone-based Issa Shipping FZE and Asia Charm Ltd, the UAE Government states the following:
 
The UAE takes its role in protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously. This means actively administering and enforcing economic and trade sanctions. The UAE has the essential components of a sanctions compliance program in place, including engaging with the private sector to further promote understanding of, and compliance with, sanctions requirements.
 
The UAE government does not seek to comment on specific, or ongoing investigations. However, where the integrity of the UAE’s compliance commitments is called into question, or the UAE is wrongfully perceived to ignore apparent violations, we have a duty to respond.
 
The UAE confirms that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is fully underway into the three named entities. This includes using recent legislative changes (Cabinet Resolution no 58), designed to improve corporate transparency through a framework for reporting and registering beneficial ownership.
 
The scale and complexity of financial crime has increased. So too has the UAE’s awareness and understanding of it. That is why the UAE is committed to taking action. This is reflected in the high-level policy and political commitment to establish and operate a sophisticated financial crime compliance system.  
 
This includes a shared objective across all UAE entities to prevent, detect, and deter illicit activity in the financial system. As part of this, we are improving the way we are sharing information across our financial sector and with law enforcement and government.

Related News

Tue 04/8/2026
Minister News
Abdullah bin Zayed, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister discuss regional developments by phone

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability in the region during a phone call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

View Details
Mon 03/8/2026
General
UAE leaders congratulate President of Niger on Independence Day

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the Republic of Niger, on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.

View Details
Mon 03/8/2026
General
UAE–UK Economic Partnership Offers Blueprint for Growth Through Global Disruption

The UAE–UK Business Council convened senior UAE and UK figures for the second in its series of live virtual briefings on developments in the Arabian Gulf, focusing on the UAE’s economic outlook, the adaptation and recovery of regional supply chains, investor confidence, and the next phase of UAE–UK trade and investment cooperation.

View Details
Mon 03/8/2026
General
MoFA Undersecretary Receives a Copy of the Credentials of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

H.E. Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of H.E. Tobias Tunkel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Arab Emirates.

View Details

Did you find this content useful?

You can help us improve by providing your feedback about your experience.

Have you used our services at our service centre or digitally recently?