Dubai’s Fourth Criminal Court sentenced Indian property tycoon Balvinder Singh Sahni to five years in jail last week. Officials also ordered him to pay a fine of AED 500,000. Furthermore, the court directed the confiscation of AED 150 million (around ₹344 crore) linked to the illegal scheme. Sahni, widely recognized as ‘Abu Sabah’, is a well-known figure in Dubai’s high society.
Court Finds Sahni Guilty of Large-Scale Laundering
According to Gulf News, the court found that Sahni laundered AED 150 million. He did so using a network of shell companies and forged invoices. Investigators discovered that these companies had no real business operations. They uncovered evidence of fake commercial partnerships. Authorities also tracked money flowing through both UAE and international bank accounts. Prosecutors said the transactions had no genuine commercial purpose.
His Son and 32 Others Also Convicted
Sahni’s eldest son was also found guilty. In total, the court convicted 33 people, including Sahni. Some were tried in absentia. The court handed out lighter punishments to several others—some received one-year jail terms, and others paid AED 200,000 in fines. Moreover, three companies involved in the scheme received AED 50 million fines each. These companies reportedly helped Sahni and others process forged documents and move illegal funds.
Lavish Lifestyle Attracted Attention
Before the case, Sahni made headlines for his wealth. Notably, he once spent $9 million for a single-digit car license plate. That plate went on one of his Rolls Royce cars. His extravagant spending earned him media attention in the UAE and abroad.
Police Filed Case in 2024
Police in Bur Dubai first registered the case in 2024. They later handed it over to the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024. Prosecutors presented the case in court starting January 9, 2025. They described it as a well-organized money laundering operation. It involved fake contracts, shell businesses, and cross-border financial flows. They also highlighted the role of forged invoices in hiding the illicit nature of the money.
May 2025 Verdict Brings Major Penalty
Finally, in May 2025, the Dubai court found Sahni guilty. It ordered him to forfeit AED 150 million in assets, believed to be proceeds of crime. These included bank holdings, properties, and possibly business interests. Additionally, the court ordered Sahni’s deportation after he completes his sentence.
Authorities Seized Key Evidence
During their investigation, authorities seized computers, financial records, and legal documents. These provided clear proof of forged transactions. Officials said Sahni used fake partnerships to disguise illegal funds as legitimate income. Investigators worked across multiple government departments to gather evidence. They reportedly received support from international financial monitoring systems.
