The Abu Dhabi court ordered a convicted fraudster to repay Dh24,500 he illegally obtained from a victim's bank account. According to documents from the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court, the defendant was also ordered to compensate the victim for emotional distress and to pay annual interest. Prior to the civil ruling, a criminal court had found the defendant guilty of fraud and unlawful possession of money, imposing a Dh20,000 fine. The Public Prosecution charged him with fraud, electronic deception, and unlawful possession of funds. Following the criminal conviction, the victim filed a civil lawsuit demanding: • Repayment of Dh24,500 • Dh25,000 in damages for financial and emotional harm • 5% annual interest from the date of the claim until full payment. The civil court ruled that the criminal conviction had already established the defendant's guilt and confirmed that the money was obtained illegally. The court ordered full repayment of the stolen funds and applied 3% annual interest as compensation for the delay. Regarding damages, the court acknowledged the emotional suffering caused, including anxiety, stress, and humiliation, and awarded Dh3,000 in moral compensation. When negotiations broke down, she pursued legal action. The court said the plaintiff's claims were supported by digital evidence showing the financial agreement, while the defendant, despite attending hearings, did not submit any proof countering the debt or showing that he had repaid any portion of it. After administering the complementary oath, the court confirmed that the man owed the full loan amount. In its judgment, the court ordered the man to pay the Dh330,000 and granted the woman Dh20,000 in compensation for the material and moral damages caused by the delayed repayment, along with court fees and legal expenses. The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has ordered a man to repay Dh330,000 to a woman who had lent him the amount as a personal loan, along with Dh20,000 in compensation, after finding that he repeatedly delayed repayment. The ruling followed a review of WhatsApp messages between the two parties, as well as the administration of a decisive oath to resolve the dispute. According to court documents, the woman filed a case demanding repayment of the Dh330,000 loan and an additional Dh50,000 in compensation for the financial and emotional distress caused by the man's refusal to return the money. She also sought 9 percent annual interest from the date the case was filed until the loan is fully settled, in addition to legal fees. The plaintiff said she had loaned the defendant Dh330,000, plus another Dh30,000, but he failed to return any amount despite repeated requests. Speaking professionally, the caller warned that the victim's bank card needed 'urgent verification' to avoid suspension. Believing the call was legitimate, the victim shared his bank card details and one-time password (OTP), leading to Dh24,500 being withdrawn from his account within hours. After realizing he was scammed, the victim filed a police complaint. The latest civil judgment, announced on November 11, 2025, ensures the victim recovers the full amount stolen. Court records show that the victim received a call from a man claiming to be a bank representative. The defendant was also ordered to cover all court fees and legal expenses. UAE authorities continue to warn residents not to share OTPs, PINs, or card details over the phone and to contact their banks directly if they receive suspicious calls. Investigators traced the transactions to the defendant, who had transferred the stolen funds to his own account. Banks and the UAE Central Bank have also intensified campaigns against phishing and online scams.
