Israeli-Mexican National Arrested in Colombia Over Alleged $16.7 Million Dubai Fraud
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
An Israeli-Mexican national, Michael Mizrahi, was arrested in Colombia on Thursday in connection with an alleged $16.7 million bank fraud in Dubai. Interpol had issued a red notice for Mizrahi, who is suspected of being part of an international network that used fraudulent documents to deceive victims. UAE authorities are seeking his extradition to face charges including fraud and money laundering, with Colombian courts to decide on the transfer.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Michael Mizrahi, an Israeli-Mexican national, was arrested in Colombia on fraud charges.
- The alleged fraud involves $16.7 million targeting the Bank of Khartoum in Dubai.
- Interpol had issued a red notice for Mizrahi prior to his arrest.
- Investigators suspect an international network used fake documents and guarantees.
- The UAE is seeking Mizrahi's extradition from Colombia.
- Mizrahi's criminal responsibility has not yet been established.
An Israeli national also holding Mexican citizenship, 61-year-old Michael Mizrahi, was arrested on Thursday at Bogota International Airport in Colombia. The arrest is linked to an investigation into an alleged $16.7 million bank fraud in the United Arab Emirates. Mizrahi, dubbed "the banker" by Colombian media, was sought following an Interpol red notice for his alleged involvement in a scam targeting the Bank of Khartoum in Dubai. Colombian authorities reported the financial damage to be approximately 61 million UAE dirhams, equivalent to $16.7 million. Investigators suspect an international network posing as a leading investment group, which allegedly used fake bank guarantees, forged contracts, and fraudulent financial documents to deceive victims. Meetings were reportedly held to bolster the network's credibility. Funds obtained through the alleged fraud were allegedly transferred to accounts linked to companies associated with Mizrahi. Investigators are also examining the suspected use of fake wire transfer orders to delay payment requests. UAE authorities are seeking Mizrahi's extradition on charges of fraud, money laundering, forgery, and the use of forged documents. Colombian judicial authorities will review the extradition request before deciding on any potential transfer to the UAE, where Mizrahi could face trial. No conviction has been made against Michael Mizrahi at this stage, and his criminal responsibility is yet to be determined.
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