A Dubai resident was scammed out of Dh224,239 (approx. ₹ 52 Lakh) by fraudsters posing as cryptocurrency investment promoters, according to a report by Emarat Al Youm. The African man was lured with promises of high returns and was persuaded to transfer funds to various bank accounts, including one held by a local resident.
The incident occurred in April last year when the victim received repeated messages from a fake company offering crypto trading opportunities. Over time, he was convinced to send substantial amounts to the scammers, with one account traced to an Asian national residing in Dubai.
Criminal Conviction Led to Civil Court Compensation
After discovering the fraud, the victim filed a police report. Dubai Police arrested the account holder, who was charged with concealing illicit funds. A criminal court convicted the man, sentencing him to one month in jail, imposing a fine, and ordering deportation.
Following the conviction, the victim filed a civil lawsuit, seeking the return of the stolen amount, Dh100,000(approx. ₹ 23 Lakh) in damages, and legal costs. The Dubai Civil Court ruled in his favor, ordering the defendant to repay Dh244,239 (approx. ₹ 52 Lakh), which included Dh20,000(approx. ₹ 4.6 Lakh) for emotional and material damages.
UAE Law Links Criminal Guilt to Civil Liability
The civil court cited UAE legal provisions stating that criminal rulings are binding in civil disputes when both involve the same offense. The conviction established the defendant’s liability for financial and non-material harm.
The ruling also referenced UAE Civil Transactions Law, which holds individuals responsible for causing financial, physical, or emotional harm to others. The court awarded additional compensation for the psychological and emotional impact endured by the victim during the fraudulent ordeal.
About the author – Ayush Chaurasia is a postgraduate student passionate about cybersecurity, threat hunting, and global affairs. He explores the intersection of technology, psychology, national security, and geopolitics through insightful writing