How long can the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit freeze suspicious funds?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, the Chief of the Financial Intelligence Unit may, without prior notice, order the freezing of funds suspected of being related to a crime and held with financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, or virtual asset service providers, for a period not exceeding thirty days. That period may be extended by the Attorney General or their delegate.
Separately, the Chief of the Unit may order the cessation or temporary suspension of a suspected transaction for a period not exceeding ten working days. These powers are based on the Unit’s analysis of suspicious transaction reports and information received from domestic or international sources. Regulated entities must lift a freezing order once it is cancelled by the Chief of the Unit or once the prescribed period expires, unless it has been extended. The thirty-day freeze is a notable expansion of the Unit’s powers under the new law.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 5 — suspension of transactions and freezing of suspected funds.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 11 — establishment of the Financial Intelligence Unit.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.