Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said on Thursday they had dismantled a “terrorist network” funded and directed by Hezbollah and Iran, arresting its members after uncovering activities involving money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The State Security Department said the group had been operating inside the country under the cover of fictitious commercial entities, seeking to infiltrate the national economy and carry out external agendas that threaten financial stability.

According to the state news agency WAM, the network acted based on a pre-planned strategy coordinated with foreign actors linked to Hezbollah and Iran, in violation of economic and legal regulations. Authorities said the group was involved in “money laundering, financing terrorism and threatening national security.”

Officials stressed that any attempt to exploit the country’s economy or civil institutions for “terrorist or conspiratorial purposes” would be met with firm and decisive action. The department added that it would not tolerate any form of external interference that threatens the UAE’s security or stability, regardless of its source or cover.