Latest news with #FederalDecreeLawNo.34
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
UAE warns: Don't transfer money to strangers or risk 10-year jail
Transferring money to strangers, no matter the intent, may carry criminal penalties under UAE law/Representative Image TL;DR: Transferring or depositing funds into unknown or unverified accounts especially at ATMs for strangers is a criminal offence under UAE law. Convictions for money laundering under Federal Law No. 20/2018 can lead to 1–10 years in prison and fines from AED 100,000 to AED 5 million. Federal Decree Law No. 34/2021 also applies for similar acts conducted via electronic means, with penalties up to 10 years imprisonment and up to AED 5 million fine. The UAE Public Prosecution urges the public to exercise extreme caution, even compliant intentions don't exempt individuals from legal liability. In light of recent legal cases, the UAE authorities have issued a strong warning: helping strangers deposit or transfer money, even as a favour, can result in criminal charges for money laundering. Under UAE laws, individuals who use their personal identity to deposit or move funds for unknown parties can face up to ten years imprisonment and hefty fines, even if they were unaware of the funds' origin or intent. This latest advisory reaffirms that negligence or good faith does not exempt one from legal accountability under the country's strict anti-financial crime statutes. The Legal Framework: Understanding the Penalties According to Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, knowingly transferring funds associated with criminal proceeds with intent to disguise their source constitutes a money laundering offence. Article 22 of this law sets the punishment at: 1 to 10 years in prison Fines ranging from AED 100,000 ($27,225) to AED 5 million ($1.36 million), or both Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, similar penalties apply when electronic means are used to conceal or move illicit funds: Up to 10 years of imprisonment Fines up to AED 5 million, or both These laws emphasise that intent to obscure a transaction, even unintentionally, can expose individuals to severe criminal liability. Real-World Risks: Why Such Transactions are Illegal The UAE's strict stance stems from its ongoing commitment to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and financial fraud, all of which can exploit innocent citizens through seemingly minor acts like transferring money on behalf of others. Criminal networks often rely on unsuspecting individuals, sometimes referred to as 'money mules,' to move illicit funds without detection. By using regular bank customers to conduct these transactions, criminals attempt to break the audit trail and avoid scrutiny from law enforcement or financial monitoring units. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo Therefore, the law criminalizes not just the act of laundering money, but also any willful or negligent facilitation of such transactions, even when carried out unknowingly. The goal is to close legal loopholes and make it harder for criminal enterprises to mask their financial trails. Public Prosecution: Official Guidance and Risk Advisory The UAE Public Prosecution has issued clear statements advising residents never to accept requests to transfer or deposit money on behalf of strangers. It reiterated that using one's ID card or banking credentials to complete such transactions, even under a seemingly legitimate pretext is legally risky and could lead to formal charges. Authorities emphasise that individuals should treat these cases as non-optional: even if persuaded or tricked, they can still be held responsible unless they immediately report the incident to authorities. Best Practice: If You Receive Unexpected Money or Requests UAE authorities and banks recommend these steps for safety: Refuse to transfer or deposit money for someone you don't personally know. Do not move or withdraw unexpected funds received through a stranger's mistake, they may be traced back to criminal activity. Report immediately to your bank and relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Police via 901 or the anti-fraud hotline. Maintain records of all communications and responses as evidence. These measures help protect individuals from being inadvertently involved in financial irregularities. What may seem like an innocent gesture, transferring money on behalf of a stranger can lead to grave legal consequences in the UAE. Under strict anti-money laundering and cybercrime laws, individuals who facilitate dubious transactions, even unknowingly, could face up to a decade in prison and millions in fines. Legal and security authorities underline that ignorance of the law is no defence, and responsible financial conduct must be the standard in all personal banking interactions.
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Arab Times
Transferring money to strangers in UAE could lead to 10 years in prison
ABU DHABI, July 22: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a stern warning regarding the serious legal repercussions of depositing or transferring funds to unknown individuals. The Public Prosecution and legal experts caution that such acts can lead to criminal charges, including money laundering, with penalties reaching up to 10 years in prison. Investigations have uncovered numerous cases where individuals, often unknowingly, made deposits or transfers at ATMs on behalf of strangers claiming their own cards were malfunctioning or that they lacked identification. While these gestures may appear harmless, the law takes a much stricter view. Legal advisor Abeer Al Dahmani emphasized that anyone transferring money to strangers without verifying the source or recipient risks legal liability, regardless of their intentions. 'Good intentions may reduce penalties but do not absolve responsibility,' she said. Those who assist in such transactions, especially by using their personal identification, could inadvertently be facilitating crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorist financing, or other illicit activities. According to Federal Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, knowingly transferring or moving funds that are proceeds of crime with the intent to conceal their origin constitutes money laundering. Offenders face imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and fines between AED 100,000 and AED 5 million. The UAE Public Prosecution has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid falling prey to fraudsters who exploit trust to use innocent individuals for illegal money transfers. The use of personal IDs to transfer funds to unknown accounts can result in charges of money laundering, even if the individual was unaware of the illicit source. Authorities stress that money laundering involves giving illegal funds a legal appearance by hiding or disguising their origin, often through bank transfers or other financial transactions. Beyond money laundering statutes, the UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes imposes further penalties on those who use electronic means to transfer or conceal illicit funds. Convicted individuals may face imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to AED 5 million. Authorities advise individuals to always verify the legitimacy of funds before making transfers and to consult banks or relevant agencies if unsure. Ignorance of the law offers no defense, and involvement—even unwitting—in such transactions can lead to severe consequences. The bottom line for residents and visitors in the UAE is clear: avoid transferring money for strangers. The legal and financial risks far outweigh any perceived act of kindness, as such actions could inadvertently contribute to serious criminal activities and result in heavy penalties under UAE law.
Hi Dubai
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
The Fight Against Online Hate: How Dubai is Leading with Cyberlaws
What happens when the digital world becomes a breeding ground for hate speech and division? In an era where online platforms connect billions, the spread of harmful content poses a significant threat to social cohesion and public safety. Dubai, a global hub renowned for its innovation and multicultural ethos, is addressing this challenge with a robust framework of cyberlaws and proactive initiatives. As a city that attracts millions of residents and visitors, Dubai recognizes that a secure digital environment is as vital as its physical infrastructure. Through stringent regulations, advanced technology and a commitment to fostering responsible online behavior, the emirate is setting a global standard in combating online hate. From substantial penalties to AI-driven monitoring, Dubai's strategy is both dynamic and forward-thinking. The city's efforts extend beyond enforcement, incorporating education and international collaboration to address the complexities of the digital age. Explore the evolution of Dubai's legal framework, the specific measures targeting harmful digital content and the innovative tools shaping a safer cyberspace. A Strong Legal Framework: Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 At the heart of Dubai's fight against cybercrime is the Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, which came into effect on 2 January 2022. This law gives the UAE a robust legal framework to address online threats and misuse of digital platforms. The law's scope is broad. It aims to protect government websites, secure databases, prevent digital fraud and safeguard personal privacy. It also covers a wide range of cyber offenses, including: Hacking or tampering with government systems and data. Spreading false information or harmful rumors. Creating bots to distribute fake news. Falsifying electronic documents. Invading privacy, such as leaking personal photos or messages. Tampering with sensitive data like medical records or bank accounts. Engaging in eBegging or online blackmail. Running unlicensed online fundraising campaigns. Insulting individuals, religions or foreign countries. Promoting illegal content, including weapons or human trafficking. Penalties are strict and vary depending on the offense. For instance, unauthorized use of personal data, phishing or falsifying documents can result in heavy fines or jail time. Digital Tools for Detection: RZAM App To stay ahead of cybercriminals, Dubai is also leaning on technology. One key tool is the RZAM app, a smart browser extension designed to detect and block harmful websites. RZAM scans links, investigates potentially malicious web pages and flags threats before users can access them. Powered by machine learning, the tool doesn't rely on old databases but instead analyzes in real time. It also supports Arabic, making it more accessible for local users. Beyond protection, RZAM plays a role in building digital trust, encouraging digital investment and supporting Dubai's ambition to be a knowledge-based economy. How to Report Cybercrimes in Dubai Cybercrime reporting is now simpler and more accessible. Dubai residents and citizens can report incidents through several official platforms: eCrime platform by Dubai Police (via website) by Dubai Police (via website) MoI UAE app (available on Google Play, App Store, AppGallery) (available on Google Play, App Store, AppGallery) My Safe Society app from the UAE's Federal Public Prosecution These tools allow individuals to report fraud, threats, privacy violations or online harassment efficiently and anonymously. Dubai's Cyber Security Strategy Dubai's Cyber Security Strategy lays out a clear roadmap to protect the city's digital infrastructure, support innovation and build resilience against cyber threats. It is built around five key pillars: Cyber Smart Society, Innovation, Cyber Security, Cyber Resilience and National and International Collaboration. Cyber Smart Society This pillar focuses on raising awareness and improving cyber skills across all sectors. Training is provided to government and private sector employees, while public campaigns target students and individuals. The goal is to create a community that understands cyber risks and knows how to respond. It also invests in developing skilled professionals to support Dubai's digital growth. Innovation To stay ahead of evolving threats, Dubai promotes research and development in cyber security. This includes integrating security into new technologies and creating updated certification schemes for products and professionals. The aim is to build a secure digital environment that encourages innovation without compromising safety. Cyber Security This domain ensures the protection of data and systems through established controls and standards. Organizations, especially in the critical information infrastructure (CII), are encouraged to adopt global security frameworks. Senior leaders are expected to take ownership of security, while guidelines are developed to support implementation at all levels. Cyber Resilience Being prepared for cyber attacks is crucial. This pillar focuses on ensuring business continuity even during cyber incidents. It supports threat intelligence sharing, incident management and compliance with resilience standards. Organizations must adopt recovery plans to maintain operations in the face of disruptions. National and International Collaboration Dubai encourages collaboration at every level. Nationally, it connects CII organizations and invites private entities to join cyber initiatives. Internationally, it seeks partnerships, aligns with global regulations and promotes information sharing. Together, these efforts aim to make Dubai's digital space both secure and resilient. Dubai's fight against online hate extends beyond legislation, incorporating advanced technology to enhance digital safety. The city leverages a range of innovative tools to monitor, detect, and mitigate cyber threats effectively. Key initiatives include: Dubai Cyber Index : Launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , this initiative encourages government entities to meet high cybersecurity standards through a competitive framework. It fosters collaboration and accountability, aiming to make Dubai the world's safest cyberspace. : Launched by , this initiative encourages government entities to meet high cybersecurity standards through a competitive framework. It fosters collaboration and accountability, aiming to make Dubai the world's safest cyberspace. Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) : The DESC oversees compliance with cybersecurity policies and develops tools like the RAZM app, which helps residents secure their digital accounts and devices. : The DESC oversees compliance with cybersecurity policies and develops tools like the RAZM app, which helps residents secure their digital accounts and devices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) : AI systems are deployed to identify suspicious content, such as coordinated hate campaigns or inflammatory posts, in real time. This enables rapid response and containment of potential threats. : AI systems are deployed to identify suspicious content, such as coordinated hate campaigns or inflammatory posts, in real time. This enables rapid response and containment of potential threats. Blockchain Technology: Dubai is exploring blockchain to enhance data security, making it harder for malicious actors to manipulate or distribute harmful content. These technological advancements are complemented by proactive monitoring. The Dubai Police's cybercrime units use sophisticated analytics to track online activity, ensuring that violations are addressed swiftly. By integrating technology with its legal framework, Dubai creates a dynamic defense against online hate, setting a model for other cities to follow. Tips for Staying Safe and Respectful in the Digital World To complement Dubai's efforts, individuals can take proactive steps to stay safe online and contribute to a respectful digital environment. Below are practical tips to achieve this: Protect Personal Information : Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as addresses or financial information, on public platforms. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. : Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as addresses or financial information, on public platforms. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Verify Content Before Sharing : Check the credibility of information to avoid spreading misinformation or harmful content. Rely on reputable sources and fact-checking tools. : Check the credibility of information to avoid spreading misinformation or harmful content. Rely on reputable sources and fact-checking tools. Report Harmful Content : Use reporting features on social media platforms or apps like Dubai's eCrimes to flag hate speech, cyberbullying or threats promptly. : Use reporting features on social media platforms or apps like Dubai's eCrimes to flag hate speech, cyberbullying or threats promptly. Practice Digital Empathy : Think before posting or commenting. Avoid language that could offend, discriminate or harm others and promote respectful dialogue. : Think before posting or commenting. Avoid language that could offend, discriminate or harm others and promote respectful dialogue. Stay Educated : Keep informed about cyber threats and safe online practices through resources like Dubai's Digital Wellbeing Portal or cybersecurity workshops. : Keep informed about cyber threats and safe online practices through resources like Dubai's Digital Wellbeing Portal or cybersecurity workshops. Use Security Tools : Install antivirus software, keep devices updated and use tools like the RAZM app to enhance personal digital security. : Install antivirus software, keep devices updated and use tools like the RAZM app to enhance personal digital security. Avoid Engaging with Trolls : Refrain from responding to provocative or hateful comments, as engagement can escalate conflicts. Report and block such users instead. : Refrain from responding to provocative or hateful comments, as engagement can escalate conflicts. Report and block such users instead. Support Positive Content: Share and promote content that fosters unity and positivity, contributing to a healthier online community. In an age where digital interactions shape societies, Dubai's bold stand against online hate proves that with the right laws, technology and collective will, the internet can be a force for unity—not division. Also Read: UAE to Launch National Cybersecurity Strategy at WGS 2025 Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC), has announced the official launch of the UAE's National Cybersecurity Strategy this week. Cybersecurity Threats in Dubai: What You Need to Know Learn about the top cybersecurity threats in Dubai and how to protect yourself. An essential guide for residents and businesses alike. Digital Security in the UAE: How to Protect Your Data & Avoid Cybercrimes Protect yourself from cyber threats in the UAE with this comprehensive guide on cybersecurity. Learn about UAE's cyber laws, reporting procedures, and best practices to keep your data and online activities safe. What are the most in-demand Cybersecurity skills in 2025 Discover the most in-demand cybersecurity skills in 2025 and learn which certifications can boost your career prospects in this booming field.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
UAE clarifies harsh penalties for insulting state reputation and institutions on social media
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has issued a fresh warning regarding penalties for individuals who mock or insult the reputation of the state, its institutions, or national symbols. Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, offenders could face up to five years in prison and a fine reaching Dh500,000. The law emphasises severe repercussions for those spreading false information or engaging in activities that harm the state's security, unity, and international standing. The ADJD, through its platform on 'X', has highlighted the penalties for individuals involved in acts that ridicule or harm the reputation of the UAE and its institutions. What the law says The law's provisions, particularly Articles (20) to (26), detail strict penalties for those engaging in cybercrimes, spreading rumours, or undermining the state's interests. These offences include actions that destabilise national security, threaten unity, or damage the state's prestige. Article (20) of the law targets individuals involved in efforts to disrupt the government system, with penalties including life imprisonment for those who create or disseminate content to cause any damage to the government. Similarly, Article (21) imposes severe punishment on anyone found aiding terrorist groups, including life imprisonment and hefty fines
