The Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. ARCHIVE

The UAE has sentenced 80 members of an organized crime syndicate, known as the "Bahloul Gang," to various prison terms, with some facing life imprisonment, following their conviction for serious criminal offenses, including extortion, money laundering, and the use of illegal weapons. The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals'  State Security Chamber handed down life sentences to 18 defendants, while 46 others received 15-year prison terms. An additional 16 members were sentenced to five years in jail and fined Dh1 million each. Several individuals were acquitted. Authorities have also confiscated illegal proceeds linked to the crimes, including funds, properties, vehicles, and weapons.

Organized crime in the UAE

The gang, which referred to itself as the "Bahloul Gang," was found guilty of engaging in illicit activities aimed at generating illegal profits and asserting territorial dominance. They used social media to promote their criminal operations while employing coercion and threats to extort money from victims. "The defendants committed acts that endangered state security, public order, and the safety of society," said UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who had earlier ordered their referral to trial. In addition to extortion and intimidation, the gang engaged in money laundering to conceal the origins of their illegal earnings. The verdict underscores the UAE’s strict stance against organized crime and its commitment to upholding national security. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page