Israeli-Mexican National Arrested in Colombia Over $16 Million Dubai Bank Heist
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Colombian police arrested Michael Mizrahi, a 61-year-old Israeli-Mexican national, at Bogotá's El Dorado Airport on an Interpol red notice requested by the UAE. He is accused of being a key member of a network that stole $16 million from the Dubai branch of Khartoum Bank. Mizrahi, known as "The Banker," allegedly facilitated the transfer of funds to companies he controlled. Colombia has begun extradition proceedings, which could take months.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Michael Mizrahi, an Israeli-Mexican citizen, was arrested in Colombia for his alleged role in a $16 million Dubai bank heist.
- The arrest was made at Bogotá's El Dorado Airport based on an Interpol red notice from the UAE.
- Mizrahi is accused of being a central figure in a network that defrauded Khartoum Bank's Dubai branch.
- Investigators claim Mizrahi, nicknamed "The Banker," controlled companies that received a significant portion of the stolen funds.
- Colombia has initiated extradition proceedings to send Mizrahi to the UAE to face charges.
Colombian police arrested a 61-year-old Israeli-Mexican citizen, Michael Mizrahi, at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. The arrest occurred immediately after his arrival, based on an Interpol red notice issued at the request of the United Arab Emirates' law enforcement. Investigators believe Mizrahi was a key figure in an international criminal network that defrauded the Dubai branch of Khartoum Bank of approximately 61.4 million dirhams, equivalent to about $16 million USD. Mizrahi was reportedly known among his associates as "The Banker" due to his role in managing financial operations.
According to the investigation, the scheme involved perpetrators posing as wealthy entrepreneurs and international investors. They allegedly presented bank employees with falsified financial reports and contracts for non-existent investment projects, leading the bank to approve and transfer substantial funds to fictitious entities. Investigators determined that a significant portion of the stolen money was transferred to commercial companies directly controlled by Mizrahi. The suspects then quickly dispersed the funds across various jurisdictions in an attempt to conceal their origins.
Colonel Elver Vicente Alfonso Sanabria, head of the Colombian Interpol division, confirmed the arrest, highlighting the close information exchange with Dubai police and prosecutors who had been tracking Mizrahi's movements. Mizrahi is currently in custody in Bogotá. The Colombian Attorney General's Office has officially notified the UAE diplomatic services of the suspect's capture and has initiated extradition proceedings. The process of transferring Mizrahi to Dubai authorities could take several weeks or months, depending on any legal appeals filed by his defense team.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 3Haredi 1Arab 1Other 4
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
