Financial Crime World

UAE Cracks Down on Cyber Crimes with Stiff Penalties

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in combating cyber crimes by introducing new laws that impose severe penalties for individuals found guilty of committing such offenses.

New Laws and Penalties

According to the New Cybercrimes Law, anyone found guilty of:

  • Forgery of credit cards can face imprisonment and/or fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 2 million.
  • Spamming emails or unauthorized access to computer networks or electronic information systems can be punished with imprisonment for a period of no less than five years and/or fines between AED 500,000 and AED 3 million.

Punishments Gradually Escalate

The law’s penalties gradually escalate as the crime becomes more severe. For example:

  • If the crime results in the takeover of funds belonging to others, the punishment can be imprisonment for no less than one year and/or a fine between AED 200,000 and AED 1 million.

Practical Application Key to Effectiveness

While the law’s provisions are clear, its effectiveness ultimately depends on its practical application. The UAE authorities have shown persistence in applying the law and sanctioning any crime committed through technology, regardless of its urgency or significance.

Recent cases have demonstrated the authorities’ commitment to combating cyber crimes, including:

  • The arrest of three men for allegedly dealing in drugs on social media.
  • The sentencing of an Australian woman to imprisonment and deportation over a Facebook post deemed offensive.

Conclusion

The UAE’s tough stance on cyber crimes is a welcome development in the region. The country’s authorities have shown that they are committed to monitoring and sanctioning such crimes, which can have serious consequences if left unchecked. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential that laws and regulations keep pace with these changes to ensure public safety and security.

About the Author

Mohamed El Sherbini is an associate at Horizons & Co., a leading law firm in the UAE. He can be contacted on +9714 354 4444 or by email: mohamed.elsherbini@horizlaw.ae.