The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has ordered several individuals to repay Dh59,153 obtained through a fake trading and investment scheme promoted on Telegram, along with Dh3,500 in compensation for financial and emotional harm.
The victim was persuaded to transfer money to the defendants’ bank accounts in three installments after being offered what was presented as a trading and investment opportunity. The defendants subsequently refused to return the funds.
A criminal court had previously convicted the defendants of fraud and ordered their deportation instead of imprisonment. The judgment also held them responsible for the costs of the criminal proceedings.
In the subsequent civil case, the complainant sought repayment of the misappropriated amount and Dh200,000 in compensation for material and emotional damages. He also claimed Dh2,000 towards criminal proceedings costs, annual legal interest of 12% from the date of the criminal judgment until full payment, and court fees and expenses.
The complainant submitted the criminal judgment, related notifications, invoices, payment receipts and a certificate confirming that no appeal had been filed.
The civil court found that the final criminal judgment had established the defendants’ responsibility for fraudulently obtaining Dh59,153 from the complainant. As there was no evidence that the money had been returned, the court ordered the defendants to repay the full amount.
The court also recognised the financial burden caused by the defendants’ conduct, including the need to take legal action to recover the money. It awarded Dh2,300 for financial loss and a further Dh1,200 for non-financial harm, including emotional distress, anxiety and loss of peace of mind. The total compensation was set at Dh3,500, in addition to repayment of the original Dh59,153.
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