Indian billionaire Abu Sabah’s Dh150 million fine overturned in Dubai money laundering case
Network used cryptocurrency to launder Dh180 million across multiple countries
DUBAI – Dubai’s Court of Cassation has delivered its final verdict in the high-profile money laundering case involving Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, widely known as Abu Sabah.
The court partially overturned an earlier appellate ruling by cancelling a Dh150 million joint fine and ordering the confiscation of funds derived from the criminal activity. It upheld the remainder of the conviction, including a five-year prison sentence, a Dh500,000 fine, confiscation of illicit proceeds, and deportation after sentence completion.
The case involved a total of 33 defendants, including 32 co-accused, making it one of the largest money laundering cases ever heard in Dubai courts.
Investigation details
Court records indicate the case originated from a report filed with Dubai Police, which was referred to the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024. The first hearing was held on January 9, 2024. Investigators revealed a sophisticated criminal network operating both inside and outside the UAE, using shell companies and suspicious financial transfers.
Defendants laundered proceeds from crimes including drug trafficking and tax fraud, employing Bitcoin and other digital platforms. An estimated Dh180 million was transferred into the UAE through cryptocurrency wallets, later converted into cash via unofficial channels.
Convictions and penalties
The Criminal Court initially convicted Sahni of leading an organised criminal group, sentencing him to five years in prison, imposing a Dh500,000 fine, ordering confiscation of Dh150 million, and ruling his deportation after serving the sentence. Eleven defendants tried in absentia received five-year prison terms and Dh500,000 fines each, while ten others were sentenced to one year in prison and Dh200,000 fines. Three companies were fined Dh5 million each, with all illicit funds, electronic devices, and mobile phones seized.
Several defendants challenged the verdict, citing procedural violations and claiming the case involved unauthorised cryptocurrency trading rather than money laundering. The appellate courts dismissed these arguments, confirming the elements of organised money laundering.
Who is Abu Sabah?
Balvinder Sahni, 53, is the founder of a property management company with operations in the UAE, the US, and India.
He has been publicly noted for his extravagant lifestyle, including the purchase of a distinctive number plate bearing the number “5” for Dh33 million at a public auction in 2016.