UAE jails 80 members of fraud gang, life-terms and $272,000 fines for ‘Bahloul Gang'
The UAE has jailed members of a criminal gang for life and fined others AED1m ($272,000) for organised crime offences, using weapons and extorting money.
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals – State Security Chamber – has convicted members of the organised criminal group known in the media as the ''Bahloul Gang' and sentenced them to various prison terms.
The verdicts included:
Life imprisonment for 18 defendants
15 years in prison for 46 defendants
Five years in prison and a fine of AED1m ($272,000) for 16 defendants
UAE jails gang members
Authorities also confiscated seized funds, properties, vehicles, and weapons linked to the crimes. A number of defendants were acquitted.
Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, had ordered the referral of the organised criminal group members to trial for committing crimes that jeopardised state security, public order, and societal safety.
The gang, which named itself Bahloul Gang, was formed, managed, and joined with for the intent of engaging in unlawful activities, amassing illicit funds, and distributing proceeds among its members.
They established dominance in certain areas, promoted their criminal activities on social media platforms, and used prohibited weapons and tools to instil fear and intimidation in their victims.
The gang was involved in extorting money from victims through coercion to further their criminal objectives.
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