I've got to be honest, Dubai has never called out to me as a dream holiday destination. Sure, it's got sand and heat a-plenty, but impressive as the manmade islands and skyscrapers might be, the artificiality of the place has little appeal to my inner culture vulture.
But suppose I wasn't honest? Imagine I had, for sake of argument, a personal fortune built on ill-gotten gains that simply wouldn't wash with the home authorities. That's not to say Europe is clean of corruption (and Belgium certainly has its share of dodgy dealings), but let's say I really wanted to live it up, safe from the heavy hand of the law. Well, in that case, Dubai becomes quite a tempting proposition.
Aesthetic reservations aside, the almost complete lack of extradition agreements with other nations makes the United Arab Emirates just the place for crooks and internationally-wanted criminals. Now, a huge report on money laundering reveals that sanctioned individuals and felons have been finding safe harbour in the Arab Peninsula, among them numerous Belgians.
Looking through the report, the profiles of some miscreants are quite remarkable and would hardly call for the acuity of Sherlock Holmes to suspect something a little fishy. Take the case of the owner of a bankrupt pizza joint in Belgium: he now owns seven high-value Dubai residences. It seems business isn't so bad after all.
Whether through drug trades or other dubious affairs, Belgium's justice officials were quick to point out that these individuals are living the high life with funds that have "come at the expense of public health." But with proposed extradition treaties still unratified by the UAE, the good times show no sign of stopping.
Have you got a favourite getaway? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. VUB guest lecturer to be executed in Iran by 21 May
Ahmadreza Djalali (49), the guest lecturer at the Brussels VUB University who was sentenced to death in Iran in 2017, will reportedly be executed by 21 May at the latest, according to the Iranian ISNA news agency. Read more.
2. Dubai Uncovered: Belgian criminals live in luxury beyond reach of the law
“Dubai Uncovered”, a colossal report on money laundering and real estate in Dubai, has unveiled a vast network of ill-gotten gains held by Belgian criminals and sanctioned individuals. Read more.
3. Brussels: Essential rooftops to enjoy this summer
Brussels may not be famed for hot weather, but when (if) summer comes around and the skies clear, there’s no place like a rooftop to make the most of the warmer season. Read more.
4. Russia’s energy chokehold: 40% of uranium used in Belgium linked to Russia
Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and oil has been highlighted by the ever-tougher sanctions packages; but though major steps are being taken to phase out oil, Belgium’s nuclear energy has close links with Russian uranium. Read more.
5. Heritage or eyesore? Brussels’ controversial Coca-Cola sign
Belgium’s largest and most famous billboard can be found on Place De Brouckère, Brussels. The illuminated Coca-Cola sign has divided opinion since it was first erected on top of the Continental Hotel in 1952. Read more.
6. Brussels-born Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn gets statue in Ixelles
In celebration of what would have been the 93rd birthday of Hollywood actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, who was born in Brussels, the municipality of Ixelles named a new park after her and erected a statue in her honour. Read more.
7. The Coudenberg Palace: Once the grandest seat in Europe
The Coudenberg Palace was once the grandest seat in Europe, the court of the continent’s most powerful figure. After a fire in 1731, it was flattened and covered, but its ruins can still be visited under the Place Royale. Read more.
