UAE Banks pose Interpol risk to struggling customers
Radha Stirling, a recognised expert in Interpol and extradition with almost two decades experience deleting Interpol Red Notices and defending clients against extradition, and the founder of Detained in Dubai and IPEX Reform, has taken decisive action to prevent the wrongful issuance of a Red Notice against a Danish national targeted by a UAE bank. This case underscores a growing concern, banks using Interpol as a tool to criminalise debt and mortgage defaults, rather than resolving financial matters through proper legal channels.
The woman moved to the UAE to build her career and took out a mortgage with Dubai Islamic Bank to finance a Nakheel off-plan property. After securing stable employment, she was confident in her financial commitments. However, a series of unexpected events changed her circumstances. She was made redundant due to internal changes at her company, denied her rightful severance pay, and even had her passport confiscated by her employer, preventing her from securing new employment.
With no means to work legally in the UAE, she struggled to keep up with mortgage repayments but continued paying for as long as she could. Despite her efforts to find a resolution with the bank, she was met with threats rather than cooperation. She was forced to leave the UAE in order to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of debt and legal entanglements.
Instead of handling the matter as a civil financial dispute, the bank opted to escalate its approach,threatening an Interpol Red Notice. This is a common strategy used by financial institutions in the UAE, which exploit loopholes to present debts as fraud in order to justify Red Notices. The consequences of such a notice can be devastating, leading to travel restrictions, arrest, and reputational damage, even when no crime has been committed.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, Radha Stirling has taken proactive steps to ensure that Interpol does not allow its system to be misused. She has filed a preventative application to Interpol to challenge any potential Red Notice and to keep her client safe. Ms Stirling's work continues to protect individuals from unjust persecution by financial institutions using Interpol as a debt collection agency.
Ms Stirling says, "We tackle risks for clients directly with banks, negotiating solutions and seeking resolutions to financial disputes. Our services include Interpol prevention, removal, and extradition defence, as well as legal representation for those wishing to return to Dubai safely. Even if you are currently stuck in Dubai under a travel ban, there is always a solution." Stirling and her team have extensive experience defending clients against wrongful Red Notices and extradition requests, while also providing strategic legal solutions to help individuals regain their freedom and resolve their financial challenges.
