What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?

Stay calm and do not resist. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Do not sign any documents or make any statements before speaking to a criminal defense lawyer. Call us immediately; we will tell you exactly what to do from that moment.

How fast can a criminal defense lawyer reach me in Dubai?

Our team is available now. When you call or WhatsApp us, we respond immediately. For urgent situations, like arrest, police questioning, or an imminent hearing, we treat your case as a priority from the first contact.

What happens at Dubai criminal court?

Criminal cases in Dubai start at the Public Prosecution stage. The prosecution decides whether to send the case to the Court of First Instance. If convicted, you can appeal to the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation. Each stage has deadlines. Having a lawyer from the start gives you the best chance at every stage.

Can I be deported after a criminal conviction in Dubai?

Yes. A criminal conviction in Dubai can result in deportation and a re-entry ban, especially for expats. This makes early legal intervention critical. The sooner you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the more options you have to prevent this outcome.

What is the difference between criminal defense and criminal litigation?

Criminal defense is the work done to protect your rights and build your case before and during trial. Criminal litigation refers specifically to court proceedings. Our team handles both. We defend you from the moment of arrest and represent you in court if the case goes that far.

Can you handle a criminal case if my family member is arrested and I am outside Dubai?

Yes. We work with family members who are abroad and need to help a loved one facing criminal charges in Dubai. We can act on your behalf, keep you fully informed, and represent your family member in all court proceedings, you do not need to be in Dubai yourself.

Does Leaders Advocates handle criminal cases for expats and non-Arabic speakers?

Yes. Our criminal defense team speaks Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and Hindi. We have handled criminal cases for clients from across Europe, South Asia, Russia, and the Arab world. You do not need to speak Arabic to get strong legal representation in Dubai criminal courts.

White Collar Crime Lawyers in Dubai

Criminal Law · Dubai

A white collar crime accusation in Dubai can put your freedom, your job and your future in the UAE at risk, even without a single act of violence. Embezzlement, bribery, money laundering and breach of trust charges are treated seriously under UAE law, and expats face the added risk of a travel ban or deportation.

Our white collar crime lawyers in Dubai defend individuals and companies against financial crime charges across the UAE, in five languages.

All Financial Crimes Covered

Embezzlement, bribery, money laundering and fraud

20+ years

defending white collar and financial crime cases in the UAE

Award-Winning

Recognised criminal and dispute law firm

6 Languages

Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Hindi and Turkish

QUICK ANSWER

A white collar crime is a non violent offense committed for financial gain. In the UAE, this includes embezzlement, breach of trust, bribery, corruption, money laundering, forgery, and financial fraud carried out in person or through a computer system.

These offenses are mainly covered under the UAE Penal Code, Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021, along with separate laws for cybercrime and money laundering. A conviction can lead to imprisonment, heavy fines, asset freezing and, for expats, deportation after the case ends.

Yes. Expats face the same charges as UAE nationals for financial crimes, and can also face a travel ban during the investigation and deportation if convicted.

It depends on the specific offense. Embezzlement and breach of trust can lead to imprisonment and fines, bribery carries serious penalties for both the person offering and accepting it, and money laundering can bring fines running into the millions of dirhams.

Not always. A travel ban can be issued during an investigation, even before any formal charge is filed, so it is important to know your status before attempting to travel.

Once a complaint is filed, the police and the Public Prosecution investigate the financial records, contracts, emails and messages linked to the case. If there is enough evidence, the case moves to the criminal court. A travel ban or an asset freeze can be issued at any stage of this process. A lawyer can review the evidence early and respond to the investigation before it moves further.

IS THIS YOUR SITUATION?

White collar crime cases come in many forms. Tell us which one matches your situation, and we will tell you exactly what you need to do.

I have been accused of embezzling company funds.

My business partner or employer is accusing me of breach of trust.

I am under investigation for bribery or corruption.

I have been accused of money laundering.

My company's accounts or documents are being investigated by the police.

I am an expat facing a financial crime charge and worried about deportation.

I have a travel ban linked to a financial crime investigation.

I need to understand my rights before answering questions from the police or the prosecution.

If any of these match your situation, contact our white collar crime lawyers in Dubai today. Your consultation is completely confidential.

Why Leaders Advocates

We Understand Complex Financial Cases.

White collar crime cases often involve bank records, contracts and company accounts. We work through this evidence carefully to build a case that stands up under UAE law.

We Defend Both Individuals and Companies.

Whether you are personally accused, or your company is under investigation, we represent your interests and explain exactly what the investigation means for you.

We Work With Expats Facing UAE Charges.

We understand the added pressure expats face, travel bans, visa status and the risk of deportation, and we build this into our defense strategy from day one.

We Speak Your Language.

Our lawyers speak Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu and Turkish. A financial crime case is stressful enough without a language barrier standing in the way.

Award Winning Legal Practice.

Leaders Advocates has been recognised for excellence in criminal and dispute law in the UAE. When you hire us, you are working with a firm that clients trust with serious financial matters.

Types of White Collar Crime

Every case gets a named lawyer from day one.

Embezzlement and Breach of Trust

Embezzlement happens when someone takes money or property that was entrusted to them, for example by an employer or a business partner, and uses it for themselves. This is covered under Article 453 of the UAE Penal Code and can lead to imprisonment and fines depending on the amount and the harm caused.

Bribery and Corruption

Offering, requesting or accepting money or a benefit in exchange for influencing a decision is treated as a serious offense in the UAE, especially where a public official or a company employee is involved. UAE law can apply to bribery committed outside the country in some cases involving UAE citizens or public funds.

Money Laundering

Money laundering means hiding, converting or moving money that came from criminal activity to make it look legitimate. UAE law treats this as a serious offense with heavy fines, and it is closely linked to other financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.

Forgery and Fake Documents

Creating, altering or using a false document, signature or contract for financial gain is a criminal offense. This includes forged company records, fake invoices and falsified bank documents.

Corporate and Cyber Financial Crime

Financial crimes carried out through computer systems, company networks or online banking are covered under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and can carry higher penalties than similar offline offenses.

Financial Fraud and Misrepresentation

Using false information or a dishonest method to gain money, property or an unfair advantage in a business dealing is treated as fraud under UAE law, and is one of the most common financial crime charges.

20+ years

Fraud Lawyer Dubai

Bail Lawyer Dubai

Extradition Lawyer Dubai

Understanding White Collar Crime Law in the UAE

What to Do If Your Company Is Under Investigation

Travel Bans and Financial Crime Cases Explained

Arabic

English

Russian

Urdu

Turkish

Understanding White Collar Crime Law

How UAE Law Defines White Collar Crime

The UAE Penal Code, Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021, sets out the main financial crime offenses, including embezzlement, breach of trust, forgery and fraud. Each offense has its own conditions and penalties, and more than one law can apply to the same case, for example a fraud charge alongside a money laundering charge.

Money Laundering and International Reach

Money laundering in the UAE is governed by a dedicated anti money laundering law, which allows fines that can run into the millions of dirhams for serious cases. UAE bribery law can also apply outside the country in certain cases involving a UAE citizen, a public sector employee, or public funds, which means a case can follow someone even after they leave the UAE.

Have a question about a white collar crime case and which law applies to it? Contact our lawyers in Dubai. We explain it clearly in the first consultation.

THE PROCESS

Initial Consultation

WE ASSESS

We review the accusation, the evidence so far, and what stage the case is at. About one hour.

Case Review and Evidence Gathering

WE PREPARE

We collect bank records, contracts, messages and any other documents needed to support your defense or your complaint.

Responding to the Investigation

WE REPRESENT YOU

We respond to police and Public Prosecution requests on your behalf, and attend questioning sessions with you where needed.

Public Prosecution Stage

WE ADVOCATE

We present your case clearly to the Public Prosecution, addressing the specific evidence and concerns raised.

Court Hearings

WE REPRESENT YOU

If the case goes to court, we attend every hearing and present the evidence on your behalf.

Appeals and Asset Recovery

WE FOLLOW THROUGH

If the outcome is not fair, we file an appeal. Where money or assets were taken, we also pursue recovery through a civil claim.

OUR SERVICES

Defending Against a White Collar Crime Accusation

If you have been accused of a financial crime, we review the evidence against you, challenge weak or unclear claims, and represent you from police questioning through to the final court hearing.

Filing a Complaint for Financial Crime

If you or your business has been the victim of embezzlement, fraud or breach of trust, we prepare and file your complaint and gather the evidence needed to support it.

Company and Employer Investigations

If your company is facing a financial crime investigation, we advise on your exposure, represent the business and any individuals involved, and work to protect your operations while the case continues.

Embezzlement by an Employee

Money or assets taken by someone entrusted with them, such as an accountant, manager or business partner.

Breach of Trust in Business Partnerships

Disputes where one partner is accused of misusing shared funds, assets or company resources.

Bribery and Corruption Allegations

Cases involving payments or benefits offered or accepted in exchange for influencing a business or official decision.

Money Laundering Investigations

Cases involving funds suspected of coming from criminal activity and being moved, hidden or disguised as legitimate income.

Forged Documents and Signatures

Cases involving fake contracts, falsified signatures, or altered financial and company records.

Company Investigated for Financial Irregularities

Cases where a business itself, rather than a single individual, is being investigated for accounting or financial issues.

ALTERNATIVES

Being Wrongly Accused

A genuine misunderstanding, a late payment or a disputed invoice is not automatically a financial crime. The law requires clear proof of dishonest intent, not just a disagreement. We build your defense around this difference from day one.

Business Dispute Mistaken for a Crime

Many financial crime accusations come out of failed business deals or partnerships. We separate what is a civil contract dispute from what is a genuine criminal case, and represent you accordingly.

Investigation While You Are Abroad

If a financial crime case has been filed against you while you are outside the UAE, you may face a travel ban or an arrest on return. We can act on your behalf early, before you travel back, to understand and manage the situation.

Company Facing Investigation

If your company is under investigation for a financial crime, we advise on the business’s exposure, represent the company and any individuals involved, and work to protect your operations.

Not sure whether your situation is a criminal financial crime case or a civil business dispute? Contact our lawyers in Dubai. We explain it clearly and tell you exactly what to do next.

For Expats

A travel ban can be issued during an investigation, sometimes without you being formally told in advance, so check your status before booking any travel.
A financial crime conviction can lead to deportation once the case and any sentence are complete, in addition to the penalty itself.
Your visa and residency status can be affected while a case is ongoing, even before a final verdict.
You have the right to a lawyer and the right to an interpreter, since UAE criminal investigations are conducted in Arabic.
Being accused is not the same as being convicted. A strong, well prepared defense can make a significant difference to the outcome.
If your employer or a business partner has made a complaint against you, get legal advice before responding to any questions.
Can I be arrested if I return to the UAE after leaving while a case was open? If a case or a travel ban was active when you left, returning to the UAE can lead to questioning or arrest. Speak to a lawyer before travelling back if you believe a case may be open against you.

Client Experience

FAQs

What is considered a white collar crime in the UAE?

White collar crime covers non violent offenses committed for financial gain, including embezzlement, breach of trust, bribery, money laundering, forgery and financial fraud.

Can expats be charged with white collar crime in Dubai?

Yes. Expats face the same charges as UAE nationals, and can also face a travel ban during the investigation and deportation if convicted.

What is the punishment for embezzlement in the UAE?

Embezzlement, treated as a breach of trust under UAE law, can lead to imprisonment and a fine, with the exact penalty depending on the amount involved and the harm caused.

Is there a time limit to prosecute financial crimes in the UAE?

Most offenses have a limitation period, but some serious cases, including embezzlement of public funds and certain bribery related civil claims, have no time limit at all.

Can I be banned from travel during a white collar crime investigation?

Yes. A travel ban can be issued while an investigation is ongoing, even before any formal charge is filed.

What happens if my company is being investigated for fraud?

The police and Public Prosecution can review company accounts, contracts and records, and may freeze assets while the investigation continues. A lawyer can advise the company and any individuals involved on how to respond.

What is the punishment for money laundering in the UAE?

Money laundering carries serious penalties under UAE law, including imprisonment and fines that can reach into the millions of dirhams for serious cases.

Can I be deported for a white collar crime conviction as an expat?

Yes. A financial crime conviction can lead to deportation for a foreign national, in addition to any prison sentence or fine.

What should I do if I am accused of bribery in the UAE?

Do not respond to questions from the police or the other party without a lawyer present. Gather any documents or communications that show the true nature of the transaction, and speak to a lawyer immediately.

Whether you have been accused of a financial crime, your company is under investigation, or you are the victim of embezzlement or fraud, our white collar crime lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. These cases move fast, and the sooner you act, the stronger your position. Your consultation is completely confidential. Contact us today.