Languages
24/7 emergency responseDubai, United Arab Emirates

Securities Fraud

Investment fraud, market manipulation and misleading investors.

Last updated 9 October 2026.

Dr Alaa Al Houshy
Speak to a lawyerDr Alaa Al HoushyCriminal defence, AK Criminal Lawyers

Securities and investment fraud cases concern claims that investors were misled or markets manipulated. Regulators and prosecutors may both be involved.

Where this fits: Regulatory and criminal investigation.

What is investment fraud?

Inducing people to invest by false statements or concealment.

The case depends on what was promised and what was known.

What is market manipulation?

Acting to give a false impression of trading activity or price.

Intent and pattern are central.

How are regulators involved?

Financial regulators can investigate and refer matters for prosecution.

About this guide. This is a general explanation of how this area works in the UAE. Deadlines, penalties and procedure depend on the offence and the stage, so we confirm them against the current law for your case at your first consultation.

What should I do first?

  1. Preserve marketing and investor communications

    What was said matters.

  2. Gather transaction records

    Dates, amounts and counterparties.

  3. Avoid contact with investors without advice

    It can be misread.

  4. Prepare for a regulator interview

    With a lawyer.

Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.

Topics in this area

Within securities fraud we cover:

  • Market manipulation
  • Misleading investors

Detailed guides

Frequently asked questions

Can a failed investment be a crime?

A loss alone is not a crime. Deception is the question.

Can the same facts lead to civil claims?

Yes, often in parallel.

Who investigates?

Regulators and prosecutors, depending on the case.

Related guides

If you or someone close to you is under investigation, speak to us early.

Call or message us at any hour. Tell us what has happened and where the case is. We will explain the next step.