Dubai court sentences Indian tycoon in major money laundering case

A Dubai court has sentenced Indian businessman B.S.S., widely known as 'Abu Sabah', to five years in prison for his role in a large-scale money laundering operation.

He was also fined AED 500,000, and ordered to forfeit AED 150 million in illegal funds. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be deported.

Abu Sabah was convicted alongside 32 other individuals, including his son, for operating a criminal network that laundered millions through shell companies and suspicious financial transfers.

The case was referred from Bur Dubai Police Station to the Public Prosecution in December 2024, with the first court session taking place in January 2025.

Authorities confirmed the confiscation of AED 150 million, as well as electronic devices, documents and phones used in the scheme.

Some defendants were tried in absentia, while others were convicted in court, and they received varying prison terms and financial penalties.

The court also imposed AED 50 million fines on several companies involved in the operation.

Abu Sabah, known for his high-profile lifestyle and property investments, made headlines in 2016 when he purchased a single-digit car plate, number "5", for AED 33 million at an auction.