Court Cancels Fine in Abu Sabah Money Laundering Case, Upholds 5-Year Jail

Dubai’s Court of Cassation has partially overturned a landmark ruling in one of the emirate’s largest money-laundering cases, cancelling the Dh150 million joint fine imposed on Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, also known as Abu Sabah. Instead, the court ruled that the funds linked to the crime be confiscated.

The court confirmed the remainder of the verdict, including Sahni’s five-year prison term, a Dh500,000 fine, confiscation of illicit proceeds, and deportation following the sentence. Sentences for other defendants, who were found guilty of laundering criminal proceeds through Bitcoin and other digital tools, were also upheld.

The network, investigators said, operated both inside and outside the UAE, collaborating with organised crime groups in Europe. Earlier, Dubai’s Court of Appeal had upheld the five-year jail term and a Dh500,000 fine, while raising the joint financial penalty to Dh150 million. A total of 33 defendants were convicted, some in absentia, for their involvement in laundering proceeds from crimes including drug trafficking and tax fraud.

The case revealed the extensive use of digital wallets and Bitcoin to move an estimated Dh180 million into the UAE, which was then sold informally and converted into cash. One female defendant acquired properties and vehicles worth Dh7.4 million, all linked to the criminal activity.

The case began after a report filed with Dubai Police, referred to the Public Prosecution on 18 December 2024, with trial proceedings starting on January 9, 2024. Several defendants challenged the verdict citing procedural violations, unlawful arrests, and claims of coerced confessions, but the courts rejected these arguments.

Balvinder Sahni, 53, owner of a UAE-based property management company with branches in the US and India, is known for his lavish lifestyle, including a Dh33 million purchase of the distinctive number plate “5” in 2016.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.