UAE Fraud Alert: Three jailed for fake real-estate scam that swindled couple of Dh800,000

A UAE court has sentenced three Arab men to six months in jail for defrauding a couple of Dh800,000 through a fake real-estate financing scheme, after luring them via a social media advertisement and presenting forged documents to secure the payment. The judgment, issued in Abu Dhabi , also ordered the trio to repay the stolen amount, provide Dh100,000 in compensation with 5% interest, and deport them after completing their prison terms.

How a couple was lured into a fake property scam?
The sophisticated real estate scam began with a simple scroll on social media. A man and his wife were searching for a property when they encountered an online advertisement on Facebook. The ad promoted services from an alleged real estate finance firm. Lured by the convincing offer, the wife made contact with a man who introduced himself as a sales manager at the company.

Following initial communication, the couple attended a series of meetings with the fraudsters. The three Arab nationals, who orchestrated the scheme, worked meticulously to build trust. They eventually convinced the couple to purchase a villa from what they claimed was a well-known property developer. To make the deal look completely legitimate, the scammers produced an array of forged documents, including fake sales agreements, counterfeit contracts bearing a government entity’s name, and forged commercial licenses.

Dh800,000 down payment vanishes
Convinced that the property deal was genuine and secure, the husband proceeded to pay Dh800,000 as a down payment for the villa. This massive financial commitment was the centerpiece of the crime. Immediately after securing the cash, the supposed agents vanished, cutting all contact. Realizing they had been defrauded, the couple wasted no time and filed a complaint with the police.

Authorities quickly apprehended the three suspects, and the Public Prosecution charged them with fraud and forgery. In the subsequent criminal proceedings, the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court delivered a decisive verdict:

• Sentence: The three men were each sentenced to six months in prison.
  
• Repayment: They were ordered to repay the stolen Dh800,000.
  
• Confiscation & Deportation: The court ordered the confiscation of all forged documents and ruled for the deportation of the three men after they served their jail terms.

UAE court awards Dh100,000 for emotional distress
The fight for justice didn't end with the criminal conviction. The couple went a step further, filing a civil lawsuit to fully recover their losses and seek compensation for the emotional and financial turmoil they suffered. The Civil Court affirmed that the criminal conviction established the defendants' guilt and their liability for the harm.

The court recognized that the victims suffered more than just a financial hit; they also experienced emotional distress, a loss of confidence, and a disruption to their overall financial stability. In a strong message against fraudsters, the court ordered the defendants to jointly pay a total of Dh900,000. This full amount included the original Dh800,000 they had paid, plus an additional Dh100,000 in compensation for the non-financial damages.

Furthermore, the trio must also pay a 5% legal interest on the amount from the date the claim was filed until the money is fully repaid. This ruling provides a complete recovery and compensation for the couple, showcasing the UAE judiciary’s firm stance against real estate fraud.