In May 2025, Dubai-based Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, widely known as “Abu Sabah,” was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a major money laundering operation. The Dubai Criminal Court also imposed a fine of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000) and ordered the confiscation of AED 150 million (around USD 40 million) in assets. Upon completion of his sentence, Sahni is to be deported from the United Arab Emirates.
The case involved 33 defendants, including Sahni’s son, and centered around a sophisticated money laundering network that utilized shell companies and suspicious financial transactions both within the UAE and internationally. Investigations revealed extensive financial data and business links, leading to varying prison terms and financial penalties for the accused.
Sahni, known for his luxurious lifestyle and high-profile investments, made headlines in 2016 when he purchased a distinctive car number plate bearing the number “5” for AED 33 million at a public auction. 
This landmark case underscores Dubai’s commitment to combating financial crime and reinforces the UAE’s efforts to uphold transparency and accountability in its business environment.
