In a big financial crackdown, Dubai Indian billionaire Balvinder Singh Sahni, who is widely referred to as Abu Sabah, has been handed down a five-year jail term by Dubai’s Fourth Criminal Court. The court also fined him Dh500,000 (about ₹1.14 crore) and ordered the seizure of assets worth Dh150 million (about ₹344.6 crore). In addition, Sahni will be deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) upon serving his sentence.
Money Laundering Via Shell Companies
As per reports by Gulf News, Sahni was found guilty of laundering Dh150 million via a web of shell firms and fake invoices. The court established that he, together with 33 other people, including his son, ran an intricate financial fraud scheme that stretched across the UAE and possibly overseas. The case, originally reported at the Bur Dubai Police Station in 2024, was subsequently handed over to the Public Prosecution for investigation.
Further, the court judged that several other defendants in the case were to undergo different sentences. While some received one-year imprisonments and paid AED 200,000 fines, three companies each had to pay a fine of AED 50 million. Certain of the defendants were tried in absentia.
Who Is Balvinder Singh Sahni?
Sahni, 53, is the chairman and founder of the Raj Sahni Group (RSG), a property development company with business interests in the UAE, the United States, India, and other nations. His company’s real estate assets in Dubai are Qasr Sabah in Dubai Sports City, Burj Sabah in Jumeirah Village Circle, commercial properties in Bay Square, and a luxury hotel, Sabah Dubai.
A familiar figure in Dubai’s elite social circles, Sahni is widely recognized for his flamboyant lifestyle. He is known for his collection of luxury cars and has around 3.3 million Instagram followers. In 2016, he made international headlines by purchasing Dubai’s license plate “D5” for Dh33 million (approximately $9 million) for his Rolls-Royce.
Social Media Fame and Lavish Lifestyle
Often seen wearing a royal blue kandura with a baseball cap and coordinating sneakers, Sahni fashioned an over-sized persona on social media. However, the recent conviction now casts a shadow over his public persona.
Meanwhile, Dubai authorities are continuing to mount pressure on money laundering crimes, indicating a tough stance against money laundering activities.
