Alsuwaidi & Company is proud to announce a significant legal victory in a landmark criminal case involving one of the UAE’s most complex cross-border financial crime prosecutions. The case, which spanned several years and jurisdictions, involved criminal activities committed across multiple countries, including the UAE, and encompassed multiple layers of judicial oversight. It sets a precedent in the fight against international money laundering and cyber-enabled fraud.
The case dates back to 2019 and revolved around an international criminal network comprising individuals and corporate entities engaged in large-scale money laundering, document forgery, and cyber fraud. The criminal scheme notably included the use of advanced voice-cloning technology, commonly referred to as “Deep Fake”, to impersonate high-level executives and authorize fraudulent fund transfers.
Upon being instructed by our client, Alsuwaidi & Company’s Criminal Practise Group acted promptly, filing a complaint and engaging directly with the Dubai Police. The swift response of the authorities, particularly the Cybercrime Division and the Public Prospection, was instrumental in the early identification and disruption of the scheme.
Investigations uncovered that over USD 18 million (approximately AED 69.5 million) had been unlawfully transferred to bank accounts in the UAE and abroad and subsequently attempted to be laundered through a sophisticated network of real and shell companies operating across various jurisdictions. The criminal organization also relied on forged documentation, false identities, and a deliberate strategy of layering and obfuscation to disguise the illicit origin of the funds.
Following an exhaustive judicial process, the Criminal Court of First Instance convicted the majority of the accused on charges including money laundering, forgery, and participation in a criminal organization. Key accused received sentences ranging from five to ten years’ imprisonment, substantial fines, and deportation, while corporate entities faced fines of up to five million AED each and the revocation of their business licenses. The court also ordered the confiscation of all criminal proceeds and related assets.
Before the Court of Appeal, our team sought the application of Article 26 of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2021 on Anti-Money Laundering to challenge the confiscation order. We argued that the funds in question lawfully belonged to the victim company—our client—and that confiscation would unjustly prejudice the rights of a bona fide third party. The Court of Appeal accepted our arguments, recognised the victim’s ownership of the funds, and accordingly revoked the confiscation order.
As a result of our efforts, the Court of Appeal ruled in our client’s favour and overturned the confiscation order. The judgment was upheld in its entirety by the Court of Cassation on 30 June 2025, rendering it final and enforceable.
This judgment sets a significant precedent in the UAE for the prosecution of complex, cross-border financial crimes and the application of anti-money laundering laws. The case demonstrates the UAE judiciary’s capacity to handle sophisticated international financial crime, including the use of advanced technology such as Deep Fake in Fraud, and underscores the importance of due diligence and compliance for financial institutions and professionals in the country.
Alsuwaidi & Company played a central role in this landmark case, undertaking a comprehensive review of all documents, digital evidence, and financial records, and formulating a robust legal strategy tailored to the complex, cross-border nature of the proceedings. Our team provided effective advocacy, characterised by persuasive legal argumentation and meticulous adherence to procedural requirements. With 45 defendants each submitting individual defence memoranda, we prepared and filed detailed responses to each, ensuring that our client’s position was thoroughly and effectively addressed throughout the proceedings. The outcome not only secured justice for our client but also advanced key legal principles in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crime.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Dubai Police, particularly the Cybercrime Division, and to the Dubai Public Prosecution, whose professionalism and collaboration were critical to achieving this result.
Team Involved
This successful outcome reflects the depth of expertise and commitment of Alsuwaidi & Company’s team in navigating complex, multi-jurisdictional financial crime cases. The matter was led by Ali Alraeesi, Partner and Head of Criminal Litigation, you can contact him directly on ali.alraeesi@alsuwaidi.ae, with key support from Merline Dsouza, Associate, merline@alsuwaidi.ae, and Hany Hassan, Associate, h.hassan@alsuwaidi.ae. Their coordinated efforts ensured that every stage of the proceedings, from investigation to final judgment, was handled with strategic precision and unwavering advocacy.