Dubai Appellate Court raises fine for Indian businessman 'Abu Sabah' to Dhs150m, upholds 5 year jail term

Dubai Court of Appeal has increased the financial penalty imposed on the Indian businessman known as "Abu Sabah" and his associates to Dhs150 million, to be paid jointly.

The court also upheld the primary ruling sentencing him to five years in jail, a fine of Dhs500,000, and deportation after serving his sentence.

Abu Sabah and 32 other defendants were convicted in a major money laundering case, described as one of the largest financial cases ever tried in the UAE.

The Criminal Court had previously convicted Abu Sabah of money laundering as part of an organised criminal network.

The Court of First Instance’s ruling included a five-year prison sentence, a fine of Dhs500,000, confiscation of Dhs150 million, and deportation.

Additionally, 11 defendants were convicted in absentia and sentenced to five years in jail with a fine of Dhs500,000 each.

Another 10 defendants received one-year sentences and fines of Dhs200,000 each.

Three companies were fined Dhs5 million each, and all proceeds from the crime, along with seized electronic devices and phones, were confiscated.

Upon appeal, the court accepted the appeals in form and corrected the primary ruling by imposing a joint fine of Dhs150 million on the defendants, while upholding the other penalties.

The case dates back to when a report was filed with the Dubai Police, which was referred to the Public Prosecution on December 18 of 2024. The trial began on Jan.9.

Investigations revealed that the defendants established a sophisticated money laundering network using shell companies and suspicious financial transactions both domestically and internationally.

A total of 33 individuals were charged, with some convicted in their presence and others in absentia.

Abu Sabah is the owner of a property management company with branches in the UAE, the United States, and India.

He is famous for his luxurious lifestyle and high-profile investments, including purchasing a distinctive registration plate bearing the number "5" for Dhs33 million at a public auction in 2016.