Al Ain court orders man to pay Dh150,000 for villa sale scam

Court rules fraudster deceived buyer with fake Dh100,000 property deal

Last updated: September 15, 2025 | 11:49

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Currency UAE Dirhams

Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

The Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Court has ordered a man convicted of fraud to pay Dh150,000 to a claimant he deceived into believing he owned a villa for sale.

The ruling requires the defendant to return Dh100,000 he took as a down payment on the supposed purchase, and an additional Dh50,000 in compensation for material and psychological damages.

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Court records show the claimant had agreed to buy a villa for Dh450,000 and paid Dh100,000 in advance. He later discovered that the property did not belong to the seller and that he had been misled.

The court noted that a prior criminal ruling had already convicted the defendant of fraud after he falsely claimed ownership of the villa and handed over its keys to reinforce the deception. That judgment, now final, established the facts and legal basis for the civil case.

Judges said the defendant failed to return the funds and did not appear in person or through legal representation to contest the claim. It found clear evidence of fraud, loss of use of funds, and emotional harm suffered by the claimant.

In its final ruling, the court held the defendant legally responsible for both the financial loss and consequential damages, ordering him to pay a total of Dh150,000, in addition to fees and court expenses.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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