Latest news with #UAEPublicProsecution


Time of India
23-07-2025
- 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.


Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Mid East Info
UAE Hosts Landmark Summit to Chart a New Era in Emerging Tech Governance - Middle East Business News and Information
More than 2,000 participants from over 20 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for two days of high-level discussions ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: The Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) concluded this week in Abu Dhabi with a powerful call for collective global action to govern the technologies shaping our societies. Hosted by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution, the summit convened a diverse community of policymakers, technologists, legal experts, academics, and youth leaders from more than 20 countries. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the summit welcomed over 70 speakers contributing, discussions tackled the growing need to align emerging technologies with ethical standards and governance structures that are future-ready, inclusive, and internationally coherent. The strategic partnership of the UAE Public Prosecution was central to the summit's vision and execution. As an institution committed to advancing the rule of law, its role helped anchor the summit's discussions in legal integrity and accountability, while championing innovation within the justice system. HE Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'GETS 2025 reflects the UAE's ambition to not only lead in advanced technologies, but to shape how it is governed. We are proud to have convened such a wide range of perspectives and to have sparked conversations that will shape the policies and systems our future depends on.' The UAE Public Prosecution's strategic partnership in the summit was instrumental in grounding the conversation in the rule of law, transparency, and institutional accountability. Their leadership underscored the role of justice systems in keeping pace with technological change while safeguarding public trust. The summit opened with a clear message: innovation cannot exist in isolation from governance. As artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and Web3 applications accelerate globally, GETS 2025 underscored the responsibility of both governments and industry leaders to develop principles, policies, and infrastructure that protect rights while enabling progress. A major milestone of the summit was the UAE Public Prosecution's launch of its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy outlines a proactive and values-led approach to integrating AI into the country's judicial ecosystem. It aims to enhance access to justice, reduce case resolution time, and build a legal system that can anticipate rather than simply respond to challenges. HE Chancellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney General of the UAE, said: 'The strategy we launched is a statement of intent. We are ready to harness AI in service of justice, built on transparency, efficiency, and ethics. It is about creating a legal system that can anticipate challenges, protect rights, and deliver justice more effectively for all. At the same time, this summit has proven that international dialogue is not optional but essential. The UAE is proud to host this global platform and to work with partners around the world to build shared frameworks for responsible and ethical technology governance.' The summit also witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements: one between TRENDS Research and Advisory and ExHub, and another between the UAE Public Prosecution and MBZUAI. Other key speakers included H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, H.E. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, Changpeng Zhao, Founder of Binance; Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, as well as HE Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, and HE Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Head of Sharjah Judicial Department. Youth councils from Dubai, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Dhafra contributed to the dialogue, offering perspectives on the future of AI literacy and intergenerational policymaking. GETS 2025 was supported by partners, including the TII, ASPIRE, TRENDS Research and Advisory, the UAE Space Agency, the Cybersecurity Council, MBZUAI, and leading institutions such as Microsoft, Cisco, Honeywell, BP, Byteplus, PwC, OECD, INTERPOL, and UNODC.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UAE Hosts Landmark Summit to Chart a New Era in Emerging Tech Governance
More than 2,000 participants from over 20 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for two days of high-level discussions ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) concluded this week in Abu Dhabi with a powerful call for collective global action to govern the technologies shaping our societies. Hosted by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution, the summit convened a diverse community of policymakers, technologists, legal experts, academics, and youth leaders from more than 20 countries. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the summit welcomed over 70 speakers contributing, discussions tackled the growing need to align emerging technologies with ethical standards and governance structures that are future-ready, inclusive, and internationally coherent. The strategic partnership of the UAE Public Prosecution was central to the summit's vision and execution. As an institution committed to advancing the rule of law, its role helped anchor the summit's discussions in legal integrity and accountability, while championing innovation within the justice system. HE Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'GETS 2025 reflects the UAE's ambition to not only lead in advanced technologies, but to shape how it is governed. We are proud to have convened such a wide range of perspectives and to have sparked conversations that will shape the policies and systems our future depends on.' The UAE Public Prosecution's strategic partnership in the summit was instrumental in grounding the conversation in the rule of law, transparency, and institutional accountability. Their leadership underscored the role of justice systems in keeping pace with technological change while safeguarding public trust. The summit opened with a clear message: innovation cannot exist in isolation from governance. As artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and Web3 applications accelerate globally, GETS 2025 underscored the responsibility of both governments and industry leaders to develop principles, policies, and infrastructure that protect rights while enabling progress. A major milestone of the summit was the UAE Public Prosecution's launch of its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy outlines a proactive and values-led approach to integrating AI into the country's judicial ecosystem. It aims to enhance access to justice, reduce case resolution time, and build a legal system that can anticipate rather than simply respond to challenges. HE Chancellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney General of the UAE, said: 'The strategy we launched is a statement of intent. We are ready to harness AI in service of justice, built on transparency, efficiency, and ethics. It is about creating a legal system that can anticipate challenges, protect rights, and deliver justice more effectively for all. At the same time, this summit has proven that international dialogue is not optional but essential. The UAE is proud to host this global platform and to work with partners around the world to build shared frameworks for responsible and ethical technology governance.' The summit also witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements: one between TRENDS Research and Advisory and ExHub, and another between the UAE Public Prosecution and MBZUAI. Other key speakers included H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, H.E. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, Changpeng Zhao, Founder of Binance; Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, as well as HE Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, and HE Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Head of Sharjah Judicial Department. Youth councils from Dubai, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Dhafra contributed to the dialogue, offering perspectives on the future of AI literacy and intergenerational policymaking. GETS 2025 was supported by partners, including the TII, ASPIRE, TRENDS Research and Advisory, the UAE Space Agency, the Cybersecurity Council, MBZUAI, and leading institutions such as Microsoft, Cisco, Honeywell, BP, Byteplus, PwC, OECD, INTERPOL, and UNODC. CONTACT:


Zawya
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
GETS 2025 concludes this week in Abu Dhabi, marking a new era in global technology governance
Speakers included ministers, attorney generals, global tech leaders, and youth representatives UAE Public Prosecution launched its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, setting a new standard for legal innovation Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) concluded this week in Abu Dhabi with a powerful call for collective global action to govern the technologies shaping our societies. Hosted by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution, the summit convened a diverse community of policymakers, technologists, legal experts, academics, and youth leaders from more than 20 countries. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the two-day event served as a platform for meaningful exchange at the intersection of law, innovation, and public policy. With over 70 speakers contributing, discussions tackled the growing need to align emerging technologies with ethical standards and governance structures that are future-ready, inclusive, and internationally coherent. The strategic partnership of the UAE Public Prosecution was central to the summit's vision and execution. As an institution committed to advancing the rule of law, its role helped anchor the summit's discussions in legal integrity and accountability, while championing innovation within the justice system. HE Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'GETS 2025 reflects the UAE's ambition to not only lead in advanced technologies, but to shape how it is governed. We are proud to have convened such a wide range of perspectives and to have sparked conversations that will shape the policies and systems our future depends on.' The UAE Public Prosecution's strategic partnership in the summit was instrumental in grounding the conversation in the rule of law, transparency, and institutional accountability. Their leadership underscored the role of justice systems in keeping pace with technological change while safeguarding public trust. The summit opened with a clear message: innovation cannot exist in isolation from governance. As artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and Web3 applications accelerate globally, GETS 2025 underscored the responsibility of both governments and industry leaders to develop principles, policies, and infrastructure that protect rights while enabling progress. The agenda spanned topics including AI regulation, cross-border data flows, synthetic content and deepfakes, digital identity systems, quantum security, healthcare, education reform, and the use of autonomous systems in civil defence. A major milestone of the summit was the UAE Public Prosecution's launch of its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy outlines a proactive and values-led approach to integrating AI into the country's judicial ecosystem. It aims to enhance access to justice, reduce case resolution time, and build a legal system that can anticipate rather than simply respond to challenges. This announcement positioned the UAE at the forefront of legal innovation globally, demonstrating a commitment to harnessing emerging technology without compromising ethical or procedural integrity. HE Chancellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney General of the UAE, said: 'The strategy we launched is a statement of intent. We are ready to harness AI in service of justice, built on transparency, efficiency, and ethics. It is about creating a legal system that can anticipate challenges, protect rights, and deliver justice more effectively for all. At the same time, this summit has proven that international dialogue is not optional but essential in a rapidly changing world. We cannot govern the future in silos, and the UAE is proud to host this global platform and to work with partners around the world to build shared frameworks for responsible and ethical technology governance.' The summit also witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements: one between TRENDS Research & Advisory and ExHub, and another between the UAE Public Prosecution and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), reflecting the commitment of the concerned parties to strengthening knowledge and technology partnerships in the fields of research, justice, and innovation. Other key speakers included HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; HE Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education; HE Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Changpeng Zhao, Founder of Binance; Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute; and HE Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Head of Sharjah Judicial Department. Youth councils from Dubai, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Dhafra contributed to the dialogue, offering perspectives on the future of AI literacy and intergenerational policymaking. GETS 2025 was supported by national and international partners, including the Technology Innovation Institute, ASPIRE, TRENDS Research and Advisory, the UAE Space Agency, the Cybersecurity Council, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and leading institutions such as Microsoft, Cisco, Honeywell, BP, Byteplus, PwC, OECD, INTERPOL, and UNODC. Their contributions played a vital role in shaping the summit's success and reinforcing the value of cross-sector collaboration in emerging technology governance. GETS 2025 concluded with a shared recognition that governing emerging technologies is no longer a future task. It is a present necessity. The summit laid the foundation for continued collaboration between nations, institutions, and industries as the world confronts a rapidly evolving digital reality. About GETS The Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS) – under the authority of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) with UAE Public Prosecution as a strategic partner – is a premier global forum committed to advancing responsible innovation and governance in areas such as AI, Web3, and Quantum Computing. By fostering collaboration among governments, technology and industry leaders, and civil society, GETS drives critical conversations on issues like privacy, accountability, and equitable access. Through strategic partnerships and inclusive engagement, the summit seeks to develop ethical, sustainable, and forward-thinking policies that protect society while promoting technological progress. GETS is hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court. In hosting GETS 2025, the UAE aims to galvanise global cooperation on the governance of emerging technologies. By convening a diverse cohort of stakeholders, the summit seeks to establish a collaborative framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by these rapidly evolving fields, thereby positioning the UAE as a leading force in shaping the future of technological governance.