Balvinder Singh Sahni, more commonly known as Abu Sabah, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Dubai. He was convicted in 2025 for his involvement in a large-scale money laundering operation, which authorities described as one of the most intricate financial crimes uncovered in recent years.
Sahni, a well-known businessman in the UAE, was found guilty of orchestrating a network that involved shell companies and fraudulent financial flows. In addition to the prison term, he was fined AED 500,000 and had assets worth AED 150 million confiscated.
The case involved 33 other individuals, including close business associates and family members. Several of those involved received varying sentences and penalties, while a few were tried in absentia. Three companies tied to the network were also fined AED 50 million each.
Known for his lavish lifestyle and public image, Abu Sabah once made headlines for purchasing one of the most expensive license plates in the world. His sentencing came as a surprise to many in the business community, serving as a strong statement by local authorities about their stance on financial crime.
Following the completion of his sentence, Abu Sabah is scheduled to be deported from the UAE.
