The appellate court raises financial penalties while maintaining the original jail term and deportation order.
The Dubai Court of Appeal has raised the fine imposed on Indian businessman “Abu Sabah” and his associates to Dhs150 million, to be paid jointly. In addition, the court upheld the previous ruling of five years in prison, a fine of Dhs500,000, and deportation after serving the sentence.
The case involves one of the largest financial crimes ever tried in the UAE, with a total of 33 defendants. Abu Sabah, well-known for his luxury lifestyle and high-profile purchases such as a number plate bearing the digit “5” bought for Dhs33 million in 2016, was at the center of the investigation.
Court Adjusts Financial Penalty but Maintains Core Sentences
Originally, the Court of First Instance sentenced Abu Sabah to five years in jail, imposed a Dhs500,000 fine, ordered Dhs150 million confiscated, and ruled for his deportation. Other penalties included:
- 11 defendants convicted in absentia with five-year sentences and fines of Dhs500,000 each.
- 10 defendants sentenced to one year in prison and fined Dhs200,000 each.
- Three companies fined Dhs5 million each.
Furthermore, all illegal proceeds and seized electronic devices were confiscated. Upon appeal, the court accepted the appeals in form but revised the decision by imposing a joint fine of Dhs150 million, while keeping other penalties intact.
Background of the Case and Investigation Findings
The case originated from a report filed with Dubai Police, referred to the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024. The trial began on January 9. Investigations revealed that the defendants built a sophisticated money laundering network using shell companies and suspicious transactions across the UAE and abroad.
According to court records, the network handled large sums of money through property firms and other entities. Abu Sabah owns a property management company with branches in the UAE, the United States, and India, further complicating the investigation.
