The Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced Indian businessman Abu Sabah to five years in prison for his role in a large-scale money laundering operation. The court also ordered his deportation after serving the sentence and imposed a fine of Dhs500,000. In addition, authorities confiscated assets worth Dhs150 million belonging to him.
Abu Sabah, known for his luxury lifestyle and international business interests, was convicted alongside 32 other individuals, including his son, in a case involving an organised criminal network. Investigations revealed that the group used shell companies and suspicious financial channels to move illicit funds within and outside the UAE.
The court also sentenced 11 defendants in absentia to five years in prison and a Dhs500,000 fine each. Ten others received one-year jail terms and fines of Dhs200,000. All convicted individuals will be deported after completing their sentences.
In addition to individual penalties, three corporate entities implicated in the case were fined Dhs5 million each. The court ordered the confiscation of proceeds from the crime, including seized electronic devices, phones, and financial documents.
The case was initiated following a report filed with Dubai Police and was formally referred by the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024. The first court session began on January 9, 2025. The investigation revealed an extensive money laundering network operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Abu Sabah, who owns a prominent property management firm with branches in the UAE, the United States, and India, gained public attention in 2016 for purchasing a vehicle number plate bearing the digit “5” for Dhs33 million at a public auction.
The court’s ruling marks one of the most high-profile money laundering convictions in recent years and underscores the UAE’s commitment to combatting financial crimes.
