UAE Court Jails Three for Dh800,000 Real Estate Scam Targeting Couple

Three Arab nationals have been sentenced in Abu Dhabi for running a real estate scam that defrauded a couple of Dh800,000 through a bogus property financing company.

 

The victims were drawn in by a Facebook advertisement promoting an alleged real estate finance firm. After the wife contacted the number listed, she was introduced to a man posing as the company’s sales manager. Following several meetings, the couple were persuaded to buy a villa supposedly developed by a well-known property group.

 

To lend credibility to the deal, the scammers produced forged commercial licences, counterfeit sales agreements, and a fake contract bearing the name of a government body.

 

Believing the transaction to be genuine, the husband transferred Dh800,000 as a down payment. The fraudsters soon disappeared, prompting the couple to report the matter to police. Following investigations, the suspects were arrested and charged with fraud and forgery.

 

The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court sentenced each defendant to six months in prison, ordered them to return the defrauded amount, confiscated the forged documents, and directed their deportation after completing their sentences.

 

The victims later filed a civil lawsuit seeking recovery of their money and compensation for damages. The Civil Court upheld the criminal court’s findings, confirming the defendants’ guilt and their liability for both financial and emotional harm.

 

In its ruling, the court noted that the couple suffered financial disruption and distress from the fraudulent deal. It ordered the trio to jointly pay Dh900,000 -- including Dh800,000 in restitution and Dh100,000 in compensation -- with a 5 per cent legal interest from the date of the claim until full payment.

 

For any enquiries or information, contact info@thelawreporters.com or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels