Abu Dhabi Court Orders Repayment in Online Mobile Recharge Scam

Court Mandates Repayment in Online Fraud Case

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has issued a ruling compelling a man to repay Dh4,309 to an individual he defrauded through an online mobile recharge scam. The court's decision also stipulates that the defendant must cover all associated legal fees and court expenses, underscoring the judicial system's commitment to protecting victims of cybercrime.

Details of the Deception and Legal Proceedings

According to case documents, the plaintiff transferred Dh4,309.81 to the defendant under the false premise that his mobile balance would be recharged. It subsequently became clear that the transaction was fraudulent, prompting the victim to file a criminal complaint. Following an investigation, a criminal court had previously convicted the defendant of fraud and imposed a Dh15,000 fine.

In the subsequent civil proceedings, the Abu Dhabi court determined that the final criminal judgment served as conclusive evidence of guilt, establishing that the fraud had been fully proven and could not be re-litigated. The court noted that the defendant failed to provide any proof of having returned the money or cleared his liability, leading to the order for him to refund the full amount to the plaintiff and bear all associated costs.

UAE's Firm Stance Against Cybercrime

This ruling aligns with the United Arab Emirates' broader efforts to combat online fraud and cybercrime. The UAE has enacted stringent laws, including Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, which provides a comprehensive legal framework to address the misuse of online technologies. This law aims to enhance protection against online offenses, safeguard against electronic fraud, and maintain privacy and personal rights.

Cyber fraud, which includes online scams and phishing, carries severe penalties in the UAE, ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment. Authorities actively encourage citizens and residents to report cybercrimes through various channels, such as the 'eCrimes platform' and the Aman service, to ensure swift action against perpetrators. The judicial department frequently issues warnings about common fraud schemes, including impersonation and deceptive promotional campaigns, urging the public to remain vigilant.

Conclusion

The decision by the Abu Dhabi court serves as a clear message that fraudulent activities conducted online will be met with decisive legal action. It reinforces the protection offered to individuals against digital deception and highlights the robust legal mechanisms in place within the UAE to ensure justice for victims of cybercrime.