Dubai State Security arrested Danish crime boss Amir Faten Mekky in a “sting operation” carried out in the early hours of June 4, United Arab Emirates authorities revealed today.  

A joint task force, including Dubai Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, raided the 23-year-old gangster’s residence after spending gathering intelligence to confirm his identity. 

Mekky entered the United Arab Emirates using a fake passport on November 14, 2018, the Dubai Media Office said, but it is unclear what prompted the security services to suddenly zero in on the dangerous criminal.  

The arrest comes six months after the sensational arrest of “Angels of Death” gang leader Radwan Al-Taghi in Dubai last December. Dubai says its security forces are currently investigating Mekky and are ready to hand him over to “the relevant authorities,” although it is unclear which country he could be extradited to. 

Mekky is a high-profile Dutch crime lord with a long criminal history. He has eluded European authorities for years over his drug trafficking and money laundering activities and is wanted by INTERPOL for murder. 

Despite holding Danish nationality, Mekky’s criminal activity was based in Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city. He has faced a “handful” of murder charges over recent years, stemming from Malmo gang feuds, Swedish daily newspaper Expressen reports. 

The same source says Mekky is wanted in connection with two gangland murders and a number of explosions carried out in Spain by the “Los Suecos” (Swedes) gang, which he allegedly heads.

“The high-profile arrest sends a clear message that Dubai will not tolerate international criminal activities even if the crimes have not been committed in the UAE. It also emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities towards combating transnational crime,” the Dubai Media Office said.

Read also: Dubai Airport Ready to Lead Air Travel Resumption