https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/crime/uae-jail-sentence-dh1-million-fine-for-gang

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal State Security Division on March 14 convicted members of the notorious "Bahloul Gang" and handed down sentences ranging from life imprisonment to fines and property confiscations.

The court sentenced 18 defendants to life in prison, 46 defendants to 15 years in prison, and 16 others to five years in prison along with a fine of Dh1 million. In addition, the gang's money, properties, cars, and seized weapons were confiscated. Some defendants were acquitted of the charges.

Attorney General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had previously ordered the referral of the organized criminal gang members to trial for committing crimes that endangered state security, public order, and social stability.

The gang, which they named the “Bahloul Gang,” was formed, managed, and joined for the purpose of engaging in illegal activities, accumulating illicit wealth, and distributing the proceeds among its members. They exerted control and influence in the areas they operate, using social media to promote their criminal activities.

The gang used prohibited weapons to instill fear and intimidate victims, forcing them to pay extortion money. Additionally, they concealed and laundered the illicit proceeds from these crimes through money laundering offences.

In a related development, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has also been actively pursuing actions against entities involved in illegal financial activities.

Since beginning of January this year, the fines imposed on companies and investors violating regulations and laws amounted to approximately Dh650,000.

In addition, Dh500,000 was imposed on companies due to their failure to comply with the provisions of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and promoting activities outside the scope of the license granted to them by the authority.