Israeli-Mexican Dual National Known as "The Banker" Arrested in Colombia

Colombian migration police arrested 61-year-old Michael Mizrahi, an Israeli and Mexican dual citizen, at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota on Thursday, October 15. Mizrahi, known by the nickname "The Banker" (El Banquero), was wanted internationally by Interpol in connection with a fraud case in the United Arab Emirates. He was apprehended based on an Interpol "red notice" by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (DIJIN) of the National Police, with assistance from migration authorities. The UAE authorities are seeking Mizrahi for alleged fraud against the Bank of Khartoum in Dubai, with an estimated loss of 6,144,000 UAE dirhams, approximately $16.7 million. The UAE also accused him of money laundering, document forgery, and using forged private documents. According to UAE authorities, Mizrahi was part of an international criminal network that posed as major investors and representatives of legitimate commercial projects. The group employed a sophisticated fraud scheme using fake bank guarantees, contracts, and financial documents to create an illusion of legitimacy. Investigations indicate Mizrahi and other group members organized business meetings and staged commercial operations to build trust with potential partners. Funds allegedly obtained through fraud were reportedly transferred to accounts of companies linked to Mizrahi, including WYB AG General Trading, which he owns. The scheme participants allegedly used forged bank transfer orders to delay payment demands and move funds abroad. UAE authorities consider Mizrahi a key figure in the case due to the circumstances of the criminal proceedings that led to his international wanted status. Following his arrest, Mizrahi was handed over to the Colombian Attorney General's Office, which will now handle the extradition process to the UAE.