Dubai courts have sentenced Indian business tycoon Balvinder Singh Sahni, widely known as Abu Sabah, to five years in prison, followed by deportation and a substantial fine, after convicting him of spearheading a major money laundering network.

The Dubai Criminal Court also ordered the confiscation of assets worth approximately AED 150 million, including electronic devices and documents seized during the investigation

Sahni, renowned for his luxurious lifestyle and high-profile investments, was convicted alongside 32 others, including his own son, for orchestrating a sophisticated operation that funneled millions through shell companies and suspicious financial transactions both within and outside the UAE.

 

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The case originated from a report filed with Dubai Police and was referred to the Public Prosecution in December 2024

The court’s verdict extended beyond Sahni, as several co-accused were tried in absentia and received varying prison terms and financial penalties. In addition to individual sentences, three companies implicated in the scheme were fined AED 50 million each, with all convicted individuals and corporate entities facing asset confiscation and mandatory deportation upon completion of their sentences.

Sahni’s dramatic fall from grace has attracted significant attention, given his reputation as a property magnate and his public display of wealth, notably purchasing the coveted “5” number plate for AED 33 million in 2016

The court’s decisive action underscores Dubai’s commitment to combating financial crime and sends a strong warning to those engaging in illicit activities, regardless of their social or economic standing. This landmark case is expected to set a precedent for future financial crime prosecutions and reinforce the UAE’s efforts to uphold transparency and accountability in its business environment.