In a significant victory for global law enforcement, Dubai Police have captured one of Europe's most wanted criminals, dealing a severe blow to a dangerous transnational organised crime network. The arrest of Marko Dordevic, the elusive chief of the notorious Vracarci gang, marks a pivotal moment in international efforts to combat cross-border crime.
Operation Haris: A Coordinated International Strike
The arrest was the culmination of Operation Haris, a meticulously planned international mission involving high-level coordination between multiple agencies. Dordevic, who was living in Dubai, was apprehended under a Red Notice issued by Interpol at the request of Serbia's Ministry of Interior. The Dubai Police executed the arrest in full coordination with the UAE's Ministry of Interior and the Dubai Public Prosecution, adhering strictly to all legal protocols.
This operation underscores the UAE's growing prowess and commitment to global security. The Vracarci clan, linked to the Kavac criminal group, has been embroiled in a bloody feud with the Skaljari clan in the Balkans since 2014. This conflict has claimed approximately sixty lives across several nations through murders, arson, and explosions.
Dordevic was specifically identified as the mastermind behind a murder committed on October 16, 2025, in central Belgrade, cementing his status as a top-priority target for international authorities. His capture is seen as a critical step towards dismantling the gang's leadership and crippling its operations.
Simultaneous Raids and Seizures Across Continents
Operation Haris was not limited to Dubai. In a synchronized effort, Serbian authorities conducted 22 raids in Belgrade and Sabac, leading to the arrest of ten other gang members. The seizures were substantial, including encrypted communication devices, luxury cars, expensive watches, and nearly 300,000 euros in cash.
Simultaneously, in Spain, the National Police arrested two suspects in the cities of Valencia and Barcelona. The entire operation benefited from the coordinated support of Europol and Eurojust. Dubai Police played a crucial role by preparing and sharing all necessary evidence to facilitate international judicial cooperation, ensuring a solid legal foundation for the arrests and potential extraditions.
Global Praise and the UAE's Strategic Security Role
The role of Dubai Police in Operation Haris received widespread acclaim from partner agencies in Europol, Serbia, and Spain. Officials highlighted their exceptional operational efficiency, technical readiness, and professional standards in intelligence sharing, investigative support, and arrest procedures.
This success story reinforces the United Arab Emirates' position as a key strategic partner in the worldwide fight against organised crime and terrorism. Dubai Police emphasised that the operation aligns with the UAE's vision to promote regional and global security, stability, and the rule of law. It also demonstrates the nation's dedication to combating money laundering and terror financing.
The longstanding cooperation with Spanish authorities, for instance, has yielded impressive results: coordinated information exchanges in 26 cases have helped track cross-border crime, leading to 29 arrests of suspects wanted by Spain and four successful handover operations.
The arrest of Marko Dordevic is more than just the capture of a single criminal; it is a decisive blow to the financial and operational backbone of a violent network. It stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when international law enforcement agencies unite with shared purpose and meticulous planning.
