Abu Dhabi — A civil court in Abu Dhabi has ordered a man to pay Dh11,000 to a woman after he was found guilty of scamming her through a fake Instagram business advertisement.
The plaintiff had transferred the amount to the defendant after he advertised on social media claiming to own a gold shop. Despite paying, the woman never received the gold.
Following a criminal investigation, Abu Dhabi Money Prosecution registered Case No. 2191-2025. The defendant was fined Dh20,000 for fraud after being found guilty of deceiving the woman.
Subsequently, the woman filed a lawsuit in the civil court seeking repayment. She submitted the original decision from the Reconciliation and Conciliation Committee and a copy of the criminal judgment.
The civil case was heard over multiple sessions, with the woman attending, while the defendant failed to appear. The court reviewed all evidence and legal documents presented.
Citing UAE law, the court stated that no one has the right to take someone else’s money without legitimate cause. Article 318 of the Civil Transactions Law specifies that if money is taken without reason, it must be returned.
The civil court also noted that the criminal court’s judgment against the defendant was final and could not be challenged. Under UAE Court of Cassation rulings, civil courts must accept criminal court decisions when they pertain to the same facts or acts.
Based on the evidence and the final criminal judgment, the court concluded that the defendant must repay the woman Dh11,000. Additionally, he is required to cover all related lawsuit fees and expenses in accordance with UAE civil law.
This ruling highlights the UAE legal system’s approach to consumer protection and fraud, ensuring that victims of scams can recover their money through both criminal and civil legal channels.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of verifying online businesses and exercising caution before transferring money based on social media advertisements.
The case serves as a reminder to the public that fraudulent online activity carries serious legal consequences, and victims have legal avenues to seek restitution.
By linking civil restitution with criminal convictions, UAE courts are strengthening protections against financial fraud and reinforcing accountability for deceptive business practices.
The defendant’s failure to attend civil proceedings did not impact the court’s decision, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the law regardless of absences in court sessions.
This decision is expected to reinforce public confidence in the legal system’s ability to address fraud cases and ensure justice for victims of online scams.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members