Financial crime cases usually turn on documents, records and what people knew and intended. Early, careful handling of the paperwork is critical.
Where this fits: Any stage, often starting with a bank or business complaint.
What counts as fraud in the UAE?
Broadly, deceiving someone to obtain money or advantage.
The exact offence depends on the conduct, so identifying the precise allegation is the first job.
How are business and banking cases different?
They are usually document-heavy, involving contracts, statements and electronic records, and often overlap with civil claims.
Can a financial dispute become a criminal case?
Sometimes.
A dispute over money can be reported as a crime, which is why the line between civil and criminal needs careful attention.
What should I do first?
Preserve all records
Contracts, emails, statements, invoices and chat messages.
Do not delete or alter anything
That can create a new problem.
Map the money
Who paid what, when and why.
Get advice before responding to the bank or the other side
What you say can be used.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Topics in this area
Within financial crime we cover:
- Fraud
- Corporate fraud
- Banking fraud
- Crypto fraud
Detailed guides
Fraud
How the Crimes and Penalties Law defines fraud, what must be proved, and how a commercial dispute is separated from a crime.
Read the guideBusiness Fraud
How allegations against directors, partners, employees and finance teams are charged under the UAE's fraud, breach of trust and forgery provisions.
Read the guideInvestment Fraud
What the law says about raising money from the public without a licence, fictitious investment portfolios and schemes that pay old investors with new money.
Read the guideCrypto Fraud
How the UAE's cybercrime law treats crypto and online investment scams, fake websites and impersonation.
Read the guideCard & Banking Fraud
Cloning cards, using cards without authority, phishing and obtaining loans by deception.
Read the guideCounterfeit Currency
How the law treats making, bringing in, passing or possessing counterfeit money, and what protection exists for people who accept it in good faith.
Read the guideVAT and Tax Fraud
How tax evasion is punished under the Tax Procedures Law, what false statements to the tax authority cost and how a case can be reconciled.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Can a civil debt be a criminal offence?
Some situations can be treated as criminal, depending on the facts. A lawyer can assess which side of the line yours falls on.
Will my accounts be frozen?
They can be in some cases while an investigation runs. A lawyer can advise on challenging it.
Is a settlement possible?
In some cases, depending on the offence and the other party.