The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a financial penalty of Dh3 million on a local bank for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

The fine was issued under Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, as well as Article 137 of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 concerning the Central Bank and regulation of financial institutions.

The CBUAE said the penalty followed an investigation which found that the bank had not met regulatory requirements outlined in UAE legislation to combat financial crime.

In a statement, the Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the transparency and integrity of the country’s financial system. “We continue to supervise and regulate all licensed financial institutions to ensure full compliance with UAE laws, regulations, and standards,” the authority said.

The name of the bank was not disclosed.

In one of the more bizarre tales of tech tracking and international travel, British YouTuber Miles Routledge, better known online as Lord Miles, has finally recovered a pair of stolen AirPods, a full year after losing them in a Dubai hotel.

The 24-year-old content creator, who’s known for his offbeat adventures, announced on social media that he had travelled to Pakistan to reclaim the missing earbuds, which he first misplaced during a 2023 stay in Dubai.

From Dubai to Jhelum

It all started when Routledge took to social media to share his frustrating experience; his AirPods were stolen while he was waiting for a visa in Dubai. According to him, the earbuds vanished shortly after housekeeping staff entered his hotel room. Using Apple’s “Find My” app, he began tracking the missing device, which eventually led him to a rather unexpected location: near the “2nd Wife Restaurant” in Jhelum, Pakistan.

“They got stolen from my hotel in Dubai and made their way to Pakistan,” he posted on social media. 

“I enabled Lost Mode and kept playing the ‘Find Me’ sound whenever they were in use. I’m going to get a police officer, storm the area, get back my AirPods, and film it all.”

Police Get Involved

After his post went viral, Pakistan’s Jhelum Police took notice. A team was assembled to trace the AirPods, eventually leading to a local man who admitted to having them, but claimed he bought the device in Dubai, unaware they were stolen.

Routledge eventually landed in Pakistan and worked with local authorities to retrieve the AirPods. “An announcement from the Pakistan Jhelum Police Chief, the Inspector General and Lord Miles regarding the stolen AirPods. I have my AirPods back after 1 year,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside photos of the retrieval.

Social Media Buzz

The saga has captivated social media users across platforms, with many amused by the lengths the YouTuber went to recover a gadget that retails for less than Dh1,000. Still, for Routledge, it was about the principle more than the price tag.

Routledge thanked the local police for their efforts. He was also treated to lunch at a restaurant, where he was surrounded by media. “There were 20 cameramen and journalists from every Pakistani news channel, turns out this is a national news story. I’ve been recognised several times by strangers,” he wrote in another tweet. 

(Inputs: NDTV, HT)

As tensions rise in parts of the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the UAE’s Al Ameen Service is calling on the public to stay alert and take an active role in keeping communities safe.

In a message shared on Instagram, Al Ameen reminded residents that everyone has a role to play in protecting the safety and security of the UAE. The service urged people to watch out for any suspicious behaviour or unusual activity in their surroundings, and to report it immediately.

“Due to the unstable security and political situation in the region, Al Ameen Service urges the public to remain alert and attentive,” the post read. “Observe and report any suspicious behaviour or observations to the security authorities and Al Ameen Service, so that the necessary measures can be taken.”

Residents can report concerns through Al Ameen’s official channels or by calling their 24/7 hotline at 800 4444. All reports are kept confidential.

This call for public awareness isn’t just about emergencies; it’s a reminder that in the UAE, community safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re commuting, at the mall, or online, speaking up when something feels off can make all the difference.

Launched by Dubai Police, Al Ameen Service provides a safe and easy way for people to report anything that could affect public safety, from security concerns to cyber threats.

So, if you see something unusual, say something. One quick report could help keep your neighbourhood safe.

Need to report something?
Call 800 4444
Visit Al Ameen Service
Or message via their official app or social media channels.