UAE expat fined Dh2,100 for accepting suspicious money transfer
After receiving a suspicious Dh2,100 bank transfer connected to the renewal of a trade license, an Indian electrical engineer in Dubai discovered he was in legal pursuit.
The circumstances started when a boyhood buddy of the engineer asked for his bank account information to enable a third-party transfer, Later on, the sender turned out to be an Indian business owner who meant the money would be part of a Dh10,000 deal renewing his commercial license. Not aware of the seriousness of the matter, the engineer entered his account information unintentionally into a legal dispute.
Originally thinking he was the one arranging the trade license renewal, the company owner had first contacted a 28-year-old Indian worker over WhatsApp, Assuming Dh2,101 was meant for the worker, the owner moved Dh2,100 first. But the business owner complained to Dubai Police when the worker vanished and failed to finish the deal, Authorities accused both individuals of swindling, embezzlement, and illicit money possession after investigations showed the money had been placed into the engineer's account.
Under interrogation, the engineer said he behaved honestly and gave his bank information just for his boyhood pal. He claimed not to know how the transaction related to any illicit conduct. Notwithstanding his explanation, the police sent the matter to public prosecution, charging the engineer and the worker both. The worker was tried in absentia but eventually turned herself in after being found guilty while the engineer showed up in court to defend himself.
Advocate Hani Hammouda Hagag, who represented the worker, claimed throughout the trial that the matter was a buddy misunderstanding, He submitted a written waiver from the complainant, who had pulled his charges and amicably addressed the matter. The defense underlined that the situation had been resolved and asked the court to clear both of the defendants. The engineer likewise entered not guilty, underlining once more his lack of criminal intent and ignorance of any misconduct.
The engineer and the laborer were found by the Dubai Primary Court guilty of swindling, embezzlement, and unauthorized fund possession, Still, given the complainant's waiver, the court showed compassion and sentenced them to a one-month suspended sentence together with a combined fine of Dh2,101. Dubai officials challenged the ruling, seeking tougher fines and deportation for the offenders, even with a quite mild penalty. Aiming to reverse the conviction and clear the engineer's name, the defense concurrently launched an appeal.
According to Khaleej times news, Lawyer Hagag contended that the complainant had paid the fine on behalf of both defendants as part of their peaceful settlement and that his client had been a victim of circumstance. He said the engineer had behaved without malice and aimed to clear his name before the appellate court, The legal struggle is still under way; an Appeal Court hearing is scheduled shortly.
This story emphasizes the possible hazards of helping someone with financial transactions without fully knowing the circumstances, The appeal offers the accused engineer a chance to prove his innocence and move the situation behind him. The event also acts as a warning about the need of being vigilant and guaranteeing openness in all financial transactions to prevent unneeded legal issues.