UAE Public Prosecution explains penalty for cyber extortion

iStock/natasaadzic

Blackmailing people online will result in a fine of at least AED 250,000 and may also get a jail sentence of at least two years, UAE Public Prosecution clarified.

They posted the details in a tweet on their social media account.

According to the post, "Whoever blackmails or threatens another person to urge them to perform an act or to refrain from performing an act using the World Wide Web or any means of information technology shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years and/or fined a monetary penalty of not less than AED 250,000 and not more than AED 500,000.

Additionally, the jail sentence can be extended to at least ten years if violators use the internet to threaten and force individuals to commit a crime or acts that damage one's "honour or status". 

This is as per Article 16 of the Federal Decree-Law No.5 of 2021.

More from Local

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • Starting up with Virtuzone

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Starting Up is back, with a fresh new edition in a brand-new timeslot every Tuesday from 10am-11am.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!