False statements and malicious complaints waste police time, damage reputations, and can trigger arrests. UAE Penal Code rules are strict. Reporting a crime that never happened can lead to up to six months in jail and a fine. Targeting a named person with a bad-faith report or fabricated evidence brings tougher detention terms and fines. In extreme cases, the accuser can face the same penalty the innocent person would have received. Online accusations can also draw defamation and cybercrime charges.
I see two recurring patterns in real files. One is a heated dispute that spills into the station with exaggerated claims. The other is a tactical complaint used to pressure a rival in business or family matters. Courts look for bad faith, not honest mistakes. They test whether the accuser knew the claim was untrue and intended to harm or harass. Inconsistencies, lack of supporting proof, or a quick retraction when challenged are classic red flags.
What the law punishes
- False report of a non-existent crime. Up to six months’ jail and a fine.
- Malicious complaint against a specific person, or fabrication of evidence. Detention and a fine. Courts examine proof of “bad faith”.
- Aggravated cases. If the false report alleges a felony or causes a conviction, the accuser can face imprisonment, fines, and even the penalty the victim would have faced.
- Related offences. Defamation or slander may be charged in parallel, including for online posts.
How UAE law treats “malicious intent”
- Definition in practice. Bad faith means you knew the allegation was untrue and filed it to cause harm, trigger an investigation, or damage someone’s reputation. Motives like revenge or personal gain point to malice.
- Proof in court. Prosecutors use circumstantial evidence. They look at contradictions, missing documents, false details, prior disputes, or a retraction once facts surface. If malice is proven, detention and fines follow. If not, penalties are lighter.
Two quick examples
- Neighbour feud. A man reports “drug dealing” to settle a grudge. No buys, no surveillance, only gossip. The file shows motive and no proof. Result. False reporting conviction and fine.
- Workplace bluff. An employee threatens a manager with a harassment case to force a payout, then files with fake chat screenshots. Forensics expose edits. Result. Malicious complaint and fabrication, leading to detention and a counter-case.
If you need to report a crime
- Stick to facts you saw or can document. Avoid guesses and labels.
- Share recordings, messages, dates, and names only when you have them. Say what you do not know.
- Keep a note of when, where, and to whom you reported.
If you are hit with a malicious complaint
- Act fast. File a counter-complaint for false reporting and, if relevant, for defamation.
- Collect your proof. Originals of chats, emails, CCTV, GPS, and witness details.
- Ask counsel to press for dismissal and damages and to seek forensic review if the other side forged files.
If you made a mistake in a report
- Correct the record in writing. Do not delete prior messages or posts.
- Explain what you believed at the time and why, and provide any new documents.
- Get legal help before your statement is treated as bad faith.
Act early, speak plainly, and keep proof. That is how you protect your rights and avoid turning a dispute into a criminal case.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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