A new data leak, to which De Tijd newspaper and Knack magazine have had access, reveals the identity of 191,000 foreign owners of real estate in Dubai. Among these are 714 Belgians linked to 1,154 properties in the emirate. The Belgian tax authorities have been warned, the two media, partners of the international journalistic investigation bringing together around twenty “Dubai Uncovered” media, reported on Tuesday. Dubai is not only known for its spectacular architecture and pristine beaches, but also for being a hub for illegal financial flows.
The leaked data, from the Dubai Land Department and Property and dated 2020, contains the names of a large number of people involved in criminal activities (fraud, corruption, etc.), points out De Tijd.
According to FPS Finance spokesperson Francis Adyns, the Belgian tax authorities have received information and are investigating further. However, he declined to provide further details.
European Union nationals together own almost 11 billion euros of real estate in Dubai.