In a sensational development, the Dubai Court of Appeal has raised the financial penalty on Indian-origin businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, (popularly known as Abu Sabah) and his associates, from Dh500,000 to Dh150 million (₹340 crore) in the ongoing money laundering case. According to media reports, the appellate judges ruled that the massive fine will now be paid jointly by Sahni (who is already under arrest) and his associates, making it one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed in a UAE criminal trial.

Five-Year Jail Term Upheld

While the financial penalty was sharply increased, the court confirmed that other parts of the original verdict remain unchanged. Sahni will continue to serve a five-year prison sentence, pay his personal fine of Dh500,000, and face deportation after completing his jail term. Several companies tied to the tycoon were also penalised, with three firms ordered to pay Dh5 million each.

The case against Sahni and associates, began with a referral by Dubai Police to the Public Prosecution in December 2024. The first hearing took place on January 9, 2025. Authorities accused Sahni and others of orchestrating a money laundering network involving shell companies, forged partnerships, and suspicious financial transfers. Further investigations against Sahni revealed that suspicious funds had been moved through shell firms and transferred in and out of the UAE in a manner consistent with large-scale laundering. The Court of First Instance had earlier ordered the confiscation of Dh150 million in illicit proceeds along with the seizure of computers, phones and related devices. The Court of Appeal’s latest judgment clarified that the Dh150 million is no longer just an amount to be confiscated, but a fine to be collectively borne by all 33 defendants in the case.

From Luxury Lifestyle to Legal Troubles

Sahni, chairman of the RSG Group of Companies, is widely known for his extravagant lifestyle, including purchasing the coveted “D5” number plate for Dh33 million. Today, his name dominates headlines for a very different reason, with his once-celebrated image overshadowed by one of Dubai’s most high-profile financial crime cases.  Sahni’s legal team still retains the right to approach the Court of Cassation, the highest court in Dubai, though any further appeal would be limited to points of law.

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