Cybercrime Lawyer in Dubai and the UAE
Cybercrime, online fraud, and digital abuse in the UAE
Cybercrime in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes. The law covers online fraud, hacking, unauthorised data access, defamation, blackmail, impersonation, and a wide range of digital offences. Penalties are significant. Imprisonment, deportation, and fines reaching into the millions of dirhams are all possible.
We act on cybercrime cases for
- Victims of online fraud and digital scams
- Victims of hacking, account takeover, and data theft
- Victims of business email compromise (BEC)
- Victims of social media defamation and online abuse
- Victims of blackmail, sextortion, and digital extortion
- Individuals defending against cybercrime allegations
- Businesses dealing with insider data breaches
- Clients dealing with cross-border cybercrime matters
How to file a cybercrime complaint in Dubai
Step 1. Preserve digital evidence
Screenshots, account details, transaction records, IP information, and timestamps. Do not delete anything. Even content you find distressing must be preserved before it disappears.
Step 2. File the complaint
Complaints can be filed in person at a Dubai Police station, through the Dubai Police app, or through the eCrime online platform. The complaint is reviewed by the Cybercrime Department and, if accepted, moves to the Public Prosecution.
Step 3. Cooperate with the investigation
The investigation may involve interviews, device handovers, and forensic review. How this stage is handled affects the prosecution decision. We supervise client communication with the authorities throughout.
Step 4. Public Prosecution decision
The Public Prosecution decides whether to refer the matter to the criminal court. Strong evidence and a well-drafted complaint significantly affect this decision.
Step 5. Court proceedings and outcomes
If referred, the matter proceeds to the criminal court. Possible outcomes include conviction, restitution, travel bans on the accused, fines, and imprisonment, and in many cases, civil recovery in parallel.
Penalties under the UAE Cybercrime Law
Penalties vary depending on the offence. Online fraud can carry imprisonment of one to three years and fines from AED 250,000 to AED 1 million. Defamation, insults, and the publication of false information online can carry imprisonment and fines. Cyber blackmail and extortion can carry imprisonment of up to ten years. The specific article of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 applicable to each case determines the exact penalty range.
Defending against a cybercrime allegation in the UAE
If a cybercrime complaint has been filed against you in Dubai, the response in the first 24 to 72 hours often determines the outcome. Cooperation must be careful. Statements to investigators must be considered. Defences must be prepared, not improvised. We act for individuals and executives facing cybercrime allegations across the UAE, with full discretion.
Frequently Ask Question
What counts as cybercrime in the UAE?
Any criminal offence committed through an electronic device or online platform. This includes online fraud, hacking, unauthorised access, defamation, blackmail, impersonation, distribution of unlawful content, and the misuse of personal data.
Can a foreigner file a cybercrime complaint in Dubai?
Yes. Residents and visitors can file cybercrime complaints in Dubai regardless of nationality. The complaint can be filed in person or through the eCrime online platform.
How long does a cybercrime case take in the UAE?
Investigation and prosecution decision typically take weeks to a few months. Court proceedings vary depending on complexity. Urgent matters such as ongoing extortion can be escalated for faster action.
Can the accused be extradited from outside the UAE?
In some cases, yes, depending on the country, the bilateral arrangements, and the severity of the offence. Cross-border cybercrime recovery is often possible through coordinated action with foreign authorities.
Will the complaint be public?
Cybercrime investigations are generally confidential. The court stage may involve some publicity depending on the nature of the case. Lexorium manages communication and reputation alongside the legal process.
Speak to a Dubai cybercrime lawyer today
Urgent cybercrime matter? Same-day response on time-critical files. Confidential consultation. No commitment.