Abu Dhabi Court Orders Dh194,000 Repayment in Social Media Romance Scam

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a man to repay Dh194,000 to a woman after finding him liable for fraudulently obtaining money by exploiting an emotional relationship developed through social media.

The court heard that the man misled the woman by claiming he was experiencing severe financial hardship. Through online communication, he gained her trust and sympathy, persuading her to transfer money to him. She later discovered that the claims were false and that she had been deceived.

According to court records, the woman initially demanded the return of Dh408,000 and sought an additional Dh100,000 in compensation for emotional distress. However, after reviewing bank statements and supporting documents, the court determined that Dh190,000 was the verified amount transferred and restricted the repayment order to that sum, dismissing the remaining financial claims.

The judgment relied in part on a final criminal ruling issued by the Public Funds Prosecution, which had already convicted the man of fraud, imposed a fine, and ordered provisional civil compensation of Dh51,000.

In examining the civil claim, the court assessed total compensation at Dh55,000, inclusive of the previously awarded provisional amount. It found that the elements of civil liability — fault, damage and a direct causal link — had been fully established.

The man was ultimately directed to return the misappropriated funds and pay an additional Dh4,000 in compensation, bringing the total payable amount to Dh194,000, along with court fees and legal costs.

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