Dubai has transformed itself into an extravagant metropolis where the police drive Lamborghinis and edible gold ice cream costs US $800 a scoop.

But this success story is inextricably linked with the globalization of organized crime and corruption.

One of the main avenues is the emirate's abundant luxurious real estate — which, until now, could be purchased in secrecy.

Now a leaked database of property and residency data pierces the veil to reveal the names of many of the world's wealthy people who have invested millions in Dubai's golden sands.

The data was compiled by assorted professionals, obtained by the non-profit group C4ADS, and provided to OCCRP.

This story is part of the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium, a collaboration by OCCRP and Transparency International.