Indian-origin billionaire businessman ‘Abu Sabah’ jailed for money laundering in Dubai

A Dubai-based Indian business tycoon is among 30 people sentenced to jail and given a fine and deportation order over charges of money laundering.

At least two UAE-based dailies, including the Arabic-language Al Bayan and Emarat Al Youm, reported the conviction of Balvinder Singh Sahni, also known as Abu Sabah, on Friday.

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The Dubai Court issued a $136,000 (AED 500,000) fine and five years in jail followed by deportation from the UAE for 20 people reportedly involved in the “organized criminal group.”

The sentence also applies to Sahni’s son. Some belongings, including phones, were seized, in addition to $40 million (AED 150 million) in funds.

Another group of 10 people involved in the reported crime have been handed a fine of $54,450 (AED 200,000), one year in jail, followed by deportation. Three companies linked to the group were fined $1.3 million (AED 5 million).

Unfolding the case

A case was made against the billionaire following a report at the Bur Dubai Police Station last year, according to the reports.

Following an investigation, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024.

The first court session was held on January 9, 2025. The case saw the unraveling of a complex money laundering operation that used shell companies and illicit transactions.

Some of the defendants in the case were tried in absentia. Assets under their control were seized.

Sahni is the founder of a property management company and is known for his lavish lifestyle.

He shot to the limelight in 2016 upon purchasing a single-digit vehicle license plate for nearly $9 million (AED 33 million) for one of his luxury cars.

A further appeal process may be allowed, according to local reports.

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