What is embezzlement?
An allegation that a person entrusted with money or property took it or used it for themselves.
The central issues are entrustment, ownership and intent.
What do we do?
We examine the basis of the entrustment, the accounts and whether any shortfall has another explanation.
We also consider restitution where it helps.
What are common explanations?
Accounting errors, authorised use or disputes about what was owed.
We test each against the records.
What should I do first?
Gather accounts and ledgers
Show what came in and went out.
Get proof of authority
Letters or instructions.
Identify other handlers
Others who could access the funds.
Consider restitution with us
Only after advice.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Does repaying end the case?
Not automatically. It can influence the outcome. We advise on timing and form.
Is embezzlement the same as theft?
They are different offences. The embezzlement guide explains the difference.
Related guides
Financial Crimes overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewEmbezzlement
What the law says about embezzlement by public servants and by people entrusted with public service, and how it differs from private breach of trust.
Read the guideMisappropriation of Funds
Keeping property that is not yours, disposing of mortgaged or attached assets, and holding proceeds of a crime.
Read the guideBreach of Trust
When using, spending or keeping money or property that was entrusted to you becomes a crime, and who the law treats as a person holding property in trust.
Read the guideSources
This page describes how we act in this type of case. It does not restate the law: the linked guides set out the statutory position and cite the official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, uaelegislation.gov.ae. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.