Dubai: The penalty for committing acts of fraud in the UAE are severe, the UAE Public Prosecution has warned in a video posted on its official social media channels.
Raising awareness on Article 399 of the UAE Penal Code, the authority highlighted how fraud was defined by law as embezzling a moveable property or a document using a false identity or acting in a false capacity, or disposing a moveable or immoveable property, while knowing that the individual is not entitled to dispose it.
If convicted, the perpetrator can be sentenced to up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of Dh20,000. If the person is a repeat offender, the penalty would be increased.
The same penalty shall apply against whoever disposes a moveable or an immoveable property while knowing that is it not owned by him or that he is not entitled to dispose the same, or whoever disposes a thing of such while knowing of the past disposal thereof or the past contracting for the same and while this would cause harm to others.
If the subject of the crime is a property of a deed of the State or one of the entities stated in Article (5) of the Penal Code, this shall constitute a circumstance calling for a stronger punishment.
Whoever attempts to such crime shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a duration not exceeding two years and fined a monetary penalty of not more than Dh20,000. A person who repeats the same crime may be sentenced to imprisonment for a duration of one year or more or sentenced to probation for a duration not exceeding two years and not exceeding the duration of the sentence made against him.
Aggravated circumstances
The article also states that if the fraud is committed against the State or entities mentioned in Article 5 of the UAE Penal Code, it would be considered as aggravated circumstances. Article 5 of the penal code lists the officials who are considered ‘public officials’ by law –
1. Persons entrusted with the public authority and employees working in ministries and governmental departments.
2. Members of the Armed Forces.
3. Chairmen and members of legislative, consultative and municipal councils.
4. Whoever is delegated by any of the public authorities to perform a specific assignment within the limits of the work entrusted to him.
5. Chairmen and members of boards of directors, managers and all other employees working in associations and public corporations.
6. Chairmen and members of boards of directors and all other employees working in associations and public welfare institutions.
