Dubai Court Jails Man for Impersonating Judge in Dh 3.15-million Online Fraud

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Dubai: A Dubai criminal court has sentenced a 41-year-old African man to five years in prison after convicting him of impersonating a judicial official, issuing threats and defrauding a woman of more than Dh 3.15 million through online platforms.

In addition to the jail term, the court ordered the defendant to repay Dh 3,154,731 to the victim, confiscated the electronic device used in committing the crime, and ordered the deletion of all digital data linked to the offence. He will also be deported after completing his sentence.

According to court records, the case began when the accused contacted the victim via a social media platform advertising marriage proposals. Using a fake name and false personal details, he claimed to be a UAE national working in an offshore field and promised to marry her, assertions later proven to be false.

After gaining the woman’s trust, the man continued the deception through WhatsApp, falsely presenting himself as a judge. Prosecutors said he sent threatening messages warning that the victim would be arrested and face legal action unless she transferred money to a bank account he controlled.

Fearing the consequences of the alleged legal threats, the woman complied. Over time, she transferred multiple payments, eventually losing more than Dh 3.15 million, investigators said.

Prosecutors told the court the accused deliberately used impersonation and intimidation to pressure the victim into making the transfers. Digital evidence, including WhatsApp communications and bank records, showed a consistent pattern of fraud.

The court ruled that the offences – impersonation of a public official, threats and online fraud – were interconnected and committed for a single criminal purpose. Under UAE law, the defendant was sentenced based on the most serious charge.

Judges said the evidence presented was conclusive and sufficient to establish guilt, highlighting the serious penalties for exploiting online platforms to commit fraud.

Authorities have again urged the public to ignore threats or payment demands made via messaging apps and to verify the identity of anyone claiming official authority.