By Noureddine Omar | 2026-04-26

Media reports say UAE authorities have arrested dozens of currency exchangers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The detentions began in late March, a direct response to the Iranian regime's sharp escalation of regional attacks.

The detainees collaborated with IRGC-linked companies and Iranian regime financial entities to secretly transfer funds, sources confirmed.

UAE authorities immediately shut down the currency exchange firms, sealing the IRGC-linked offices with official red tape.

On March 19, the UAE State Security Apparatus dismantled a terrorist network secretly funded and directed by Lebanese Hizbullah and the Iranian regime.

It arrested operatives using a fictitious commercial guise to infiltrate the economy and execute foreign schemes threatening financial stability.

"Since seizing power, the IRGC has deployed global financial arms as its primary mechanism for channeling funds to Tehran, offsetting liquidity shortages from sanctions," Sheyar Turko, an expert on the IRGC told Al-Fassel.

These financial arms engage in all commercial activity, using an integrated network to launder and channel illicit funds into Iran.

The UAE is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the Gulf state to curb Tehran's access to foreign currency.

In addition, the UAE revoked all Iranian nationals' residency, including Golden and tourist visas, and completely ceased granting them entry permits.

"This Emirati campaign will have direct, adverse repercussions on the Iranian regime’s economy, significantly impacting the Iranian rial," Turko said.

The arrests dismantle the 'Dubai Backdoor,' a shadow banking network used by the Iranian regime to bypass sanctions, aiming to seal off all illicit financial transfers.