logo
SCA refers licensed company to Public Prosecution, imposes fine of $1.36mln for misleading clients

SCA refers licensed company to Public Prosecution, imposes fine of $1.36mln for misleading clients

Zawya4 days ago
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has imposed a record fine of AED5 million on a licensed company and referred the matter to the Public Prosecution, in a decisive move to safeguard market integrity and enforce regulatory compliance.
The action follows confirmed violations of anti-money laundering (AML) laws, counter-terrorism financing regulations, and measures related to the funding of illicit organisations.
An in-depth investigation revealed that the entity in question, in collaboration with an overseas company, engaged in deceptive practices targeting investors within the UAE by falsely suggesting that the foreign company was licensed by the Authority, with the intent of misappropriating client funds.
The referral of the case to the competent judicial authorities underscores the Authority's unwavering commitment to transparency and to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
By escalating the case to judicial authorities, the SCA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, deterrence, and regulatory compliance, in line with international best practices.
The SCA reiterated its strategic focus on proactive oversight, risk-based supervision, and strict compliance enforcement, all of which support the UAE's positioning as a trusted and competitive global financial hub.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Here's what you need to know about the foreign transaction fees going up on UAE cards
Here's what you need to know about the foreign transaction fees going up on UAE cards

Time Out Abu Dhabi

time4 hours ago

  • Time Out Abu Dhabi

Here's what you need to know about the foreign transaction fees going up on UAE cards

Travelling abroad? Your next holiday might cost more than just flights and hotel bookings – especially if you're swiping a UAE-issued card. Starting September 22, UAE banks will raise the foreign transaction fee to 3.14 percent on all international purchases and ATM withdrawals made using credit or debit cards. Whether you're shopping on a U.S.-based website or booking a boutique hotel in Rome, the fee applies – and it's a noticeable jump from the current 2.09 percent. What's actually changing? Customers across the UAE have begun receiving notices from their banks confirming the change. The new fee structure typically includes: 1 percent currency conversion fee (charged by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) 2.14 percent bank processing fee That adds up to a total 3.14 percent surcharge – so if you're spending Dhs5,000 abroad, expect to pay an extra Dhs157 in fees alone. The hidden fee trap: DCC One sneaky charge to avoid? Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It might seem helpful when a foreign merchant offers to convert your purchase into dirhams on the spot, but it's rarely a good deal. DCC often comes with inflated exchange rates – sometimes adding 5-7 percent extra – and you may still be charged the full foreign transaction fee. Tip: Always choose to pay in the local currency, not AED, when using your card overseas. How to dodge the worst of the fees The 3.14 percent fee may be unavoidable for many travellers, but there are ways to cut the cost: Use a travel-friendly or 'no foreign fee' credit card: Some UAE banks offer cards that waive these fees entirely. Withdraw cash strategically: Pull out larger amounts at once rather than frequent ATM visits, which can each trigger fees. Say no to DCC: Stick with local currency whenever you're asked at a store, restaurant, or ATM. Try multicurrency prepaid travel cards: Some UAE fintechs offer these with fixed exchange rates and no added foreign transaction charges. Know your fees: Check your bank's app or fee schedule before you travel so you're not caught off guard. A homegrown alternative may be coming Later this year, the UAE is expected to roll out its Jaywan card internationally – a new payment system that could offer lower foreign transaction fees and better rates. It's not available globally just yet, but watch this space. The upcoming fee hike means UAE travellers will need to be more strategic with how they spend overseas. From choosing the right credit card to dodging costly conversions, a little prep could save you hundreds of dirhams on your next trip. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier

Al Ain to host Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship
Al Ain to host Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship

Khaleej Times

time5 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Al Ain to host Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship

International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) has announced that the inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. This initiative is held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). The event aims to cater to the surging global demand for combat sports, particularly grappling, one of the world's fastest-growing disciplines. The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, welcoming participants of all skill levels from youth and amateurs to masters and professionals. Across three action-packed days, the event will showcase elite competition, further cementing Al Ain Region's status as a premier destination for world-class combat sports. Saeed AL Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate. Joining such IPs as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, we are proud to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our portfolio of leading events. We look forward to new audiences in Al Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.' Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: 'We are proud to launch the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship, the first of its kind globally, in Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. This event underscores the UAE's leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel. 'With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.' As part of the AJP Tour, the championship will adhere to the highest international standards. Competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions (U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+) in both amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes, ensuring fierce competition and top-tier performances. The event's opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semi-finals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and thrilling finals.

Tunisia: Mass convictions in ‘Conspiracy Case 2' deepen rule of law crisis
Tunisia: Mass convictions in ‘Conspiracy Case 2' deepen rule of law crisis

Zawya

time5 hours ago

  • Zawya

Tunisia: Mass convictions in ‘Conspiracy Case 2' deepen rule of law crisis

The mass conviction of opposition figures in Tunisia's 'Conspiracy Case 2' is a new example of the Tunisian authorities' ongoing restrictions on civic space and erosion of judicial independence and fair trial guarantees, Amnesty International said today. The case, based on vague terrorism and state security charges, is the latest in a series of politically motivated prosecutions that appear designed to silence peaceful dissent and intimidate and crackdown on critics of President Kais Saied's government. 'This case illustrates how Tunisia's criminal justice system is being misused to suppress peaceful dissent and persecute people simply for exercising their human rights. The expanding use of counter-terrorism legislation to punish peaceful dissent is a deeply troubling pattern that Amnesty International has been documenting since 2023,' said Sara Hashash, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. 'The convictions in 'Conspiracy Case 2' are a grave injustice and a blatant assault on Tunisia's human rights obligations. All individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and political activity must be immediately released. 'Authorities must immediately end the ongoing crackdown on human rights including the targeting of critics under the guise of national security and restore judicial independence and the rule of law and put in place effective safeguards to prevent the abuse of counter-terrorism and national security laws as tools of repression.' Amnesty International calls on the Tunisian authorities to quash all sentences issued in 'Conspiracy Case 2' and immediately release those arbitrarily detained. Authorities must ensure that any new trials are held in full compliance with international human rights law. This includes ensuring that future trials are open to the public, with full access granted to family members, lawyers, journalists, and independent monitors. Tunisia is a state party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and is legally bound to uphold the rights to a fair trial, freedom of expression, association and liberty. The trial took place amid an ongoing rule of law crisis in Tunisia. Since President Saied's power grab in July 2021, the country has witnessed an erosion of the rule of law, including through the dismantlement of judicial independence guarantees that have resulted in increased interference by the executive in the judiciary and a wave of prosecutions targeting opposition figures, journalists, civil society activists, and former officials, further constricting the space for fundamental human rights and freedoms. Mass sentences following a politically motivated trial The trial opened on 24 June 2025 and concluded with mass conviction on 8 July of 21 out of 24 individuals including senior political leaders from Ennahdha Party, former government and security officials, lawyers, and other opposition party members. Sentences ranged from 12 to 35 years imposed on 21 individuals. Only one defendant was acquitted while two others are still waiting on the decision to appeal their indictment. Among those convicted was Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda party, who received a 14-year sentence in absentia after refusing to participate in the trial. Other Ennahdha senior members, including Habib Ellouz, Samir Hanachi and Fathi Elbedoui, were sentenced to 12 years, while exiled Ennahdha members Mouadh Kheriji, Lotfi Zitoun, were among those sentenced in absentia to 35 years. Flawed evidence and due process violations The investigation originated in May 2023, following a report from an anonymous informant who claimed the existence of a covert network led by Ghannouchi aimed at 'changing the structure of the state,' with the assistance of former Ministry of Interior official Kamel Ben El Bedoui. The informant also alleged the recruitment of security personnel and coordination with other defendants. These allegations were later supplemented by additional statements from security officials, one of whom was also anonymous. The charges were based on allegations of 'conspiracy against state security,' largely relying on anonymous witness testimony, intercepted communications, and documents seized during police raids. Much of the material consisted of political criticism and private communications critical of President Saied dating back to between 2011 and 2022, but with no concrete evidence of criminal conduct. The authorities' central claim that certain opposition politicians operated a clandestine 'security apparatus' remains unsubstantiated by any independently verifiable evidence. The prosecution relied heavily on anonymous allegations amplified by state-aligned media and security unions, yet failed to present material documentation, institutional investigation, or independent verification to back this claim. No formal inquiry into alleged wrongdoing has been presented, including during the cross examinations of the defendants. Trial marred by serious due process violations The trial was marred by serious violations of due process and fair trial rights. In late February, the Tunis Court of First Instance decided that upcoming terrorism trials would proceed with detainees attending online from prison, citing the existence of unspecified 'real dangers.' The court proceeded to later renew the decision, without further elaboration. Hence, the defendants held in pre-trial detention were forced to participate via remote video link, severely limiting their ability to communicate with legal counsel or engage with the court, according to their lawyers. Similar to other high-profile cases, access to the courtrooms was tightly restricted under security pretexts, with independent journalists, families, and independent observers barred from attending the proceedings, severely undermining the transparency of the trial. 'These trials lack fairness, credibility and transparency. The heavy reliance on anonymous sources and secretive procedures makes the trials a sham and the convictions and sentences a travesty of justice,' said Sara Hashash. 'The Tunisian authorities must end their misuse of the judiciary to target political opponents, respect the rule of law and uphold the human rights of everyone in the country.' Broader crackdown on peaceful dissent The trial took place amid an ongoing rule of law crisis in Tunisia. Since President Saied's power grab in July 2021, the country has witnessed an erosion of the rule of law, including through the dismantlement of judicial independence guarantees that have resulted in increased interference by the executive in the judiciary and a wave of prosecutions targeting opposition figures, journalists, civil society activists, and former officials, further constricting the space for fundamental human rights and freedoms. Background Since July 2021, when President Kais Saied consolidated power, Amnesty International has consistently documented an escalating crackdown on dissent in Tunisia. The organization has previously documented how authorities have abused the justice system, including their reliance on vague charges, and severe fair trial violations in cases against opposition figures. This includes a series of politically motivated prosecutions, arbitrary detentions, and harassment targeting political opponents, independent journalists, lawyers, activists and human rights defenders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store