UAE: 80-Member Gang Jailed, Fined Dh1M for Extortion, Money Laundering

Abu Dhabi Court Sentences “Bahloul Gang” Members in Major Criminal Case

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal’s State Security Division rendered a historic decision on March 14 against members of the notorious “Bahloul Gang,” which was a major step in the UAE’s war on organized crime. The sentences imposed by the court are life imprisonment, heavy fines and confiscation of property.

Severe penalties for illegal activities
With the following sentences, the court’s verdict shows the seriousness of the gang’s crimes:

For their key role in planning the gang’s illegal activities, 18 individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Considering their active participation in the group’s criminal network, 46 convicts were sentenced to 15 years in prison.

For their involvement in illegal activities, 16 other members were sentenced to five years in prison and fined Dh1 million each.

Authorities confiscated all of the gang’s seized money, properties, vehicles and illegal firearms.
Some defendants were acquitted after a thorough judicial review.

Crimes That Endangered National Security
The Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, had earlier ordered the prosecution of these individuals on charges that posed a direct threat to state security, public order, and social stability. The Bahloul Gang was established with the intention of committing organized crime, accumulating illicit wealth, and distributing illicit profits among its members, according to investigations.

The group, which operated in multiple places, promoted illegal actions, intimidated people, and increased their influence using social media platforms. They used illegal weapons in their operations to terrorize victims and coerce them into paying extortion money.

Financial Crimes and Money Laundering
In addition to engaging in physical violence and intimidation, the gang was convicted of using intricate money laundering operations to hide and launder illegal gains. They were able to hide their illegal gains and carry on by employing these tactics.

The UAE Takes Strong Action Against Financial Violations
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has been stepping up its efforts to stop illicit financial activity in a similar manner. Since January 2025, regulatory authorities have imposed fines of up to 100,000 dirhams on several companies and investors for violating financial laws and regulations.

Businesses that violated anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations were also required to pay 100,000 dirhams in fines. The UAE’s strict regulatory framework against financial irregularities was further strengthened when several businesses were punished for operating outside the parameters of their licenses.

UAE’s commitment to maintaining law and order
The court’s ruling against the Bahlul gang and the SCA’s financial sanctions demonstrate the UAE’s unwavering commitment to upholding financial integrity, preventing organized crime, and safeguarding national security. These measures act as a strong deterrent to criminal networks and reaffirm the country’s commitment to maintaining law and order.