The full procedure for victims of cybercrime in the UAE
If you are a victim of cybercrime in Dubai, online fraud, hacking, blackmail, defamation, or any digital offence covered by UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, here is the step-by-step procedure for filing the complaint and what to expect afterwards.
Step 1. Decide where to file
Option A. Dubai Police eCrime online platform
Cybercrime complaints can be filed online through the eCrime platform operated by the Dubai Police Cybercrime Department. The complaint is reviewed and assigned a reference number.
Option B. In-person at a Dubai Police station
Complaints can also be filed in person, particularly where evidence needs to be handed over in physical form. This route is sometimes faster for urgent matters.
Option C. Dubai Police app
The Dubai Police app allows complaints to be submitted directly from a mobile device, including evidence upload.
Step 2. Prepare the evidence file
Before filing, organise every piece of relevant evidence into a clear file. Screenshots, transaction records, IP information, communications, account details, and timestamps. A well-organised evidence file significantly affects how the complaint is treated.
Step 3. The complaint review
Once filed, the complaint is reviewed by the Cybercrime Department. They may request additional information, interview the complainant, or take immediate investigative action.
Step 4. Public Prosecution stage
If the cybercrime department finds sufficient basis, the file moves to the Public Prosecution. The Public Prosecution decides whether to refer the matter to the criminal court.
Step 5. Court proceedings
If referred, the matter proceeds through the UAE criminal court system. Outcomes include conviction, restitution to the victim, fines, imprisonment of the accused, and possible deportation in cases involving non-citizens.
Step 6. Civil recovery in parallel
Civil recovery of losses can run in parallel with the criminal process. In many cases, the criminal complaint creates the leverage that drives civil settlement.
Common cybercrime offences in the UAE
- Online fraud and digital investment scams
- Hacking and unauthorised account access
- Business email compromise and invoice fraud
- Social media defamation and online insults
- Cyber blackmail, sextortion, and digital extortion
- Identity theft and impersonation
- Unauthorised use of personal data
- Distribution of unlawful content
What victims should not do
- Do not delete any digital evidence, even content you find distressing
- Do not engage further with the perpetrator without legal advice
- Do not pay extortion demands without consulting a lawyer first
- Do not publicise the matter on social media before legal action
- Do not delay. UAE cybercrime evidence has practical time limits
Need help filing a cybercrime complaint in Dubai?
Lexorium prepares complete cybercrime complaint files, manages the police and Public Prosecution stages, and runs civil recovery in parallel. Confidential. Same-day response on urgent files.