Cybercrime Arrests in Dubai - Report by Detained in Dubai

A recent report released by Detained in Dubai, a service to support those facing criminal hurdles within the country claims that there has been an upward trend of arrests made for cybercrimes occurring in Dubai. The report outlines trends, factors and outcomes of cybercrime cases in the region.

Key Findings from the Report

• Rise in Arrests: Each year the report shows how arrests directly relating to online activity (including social media posts, messaging apps or exchanging content online) have also continued to rise.

• The authorities are specifically targeted to goods for views seen as encumbered in the UAE, and both locals and visitors can be deterred.

• Nature of Offenses: The offenses which come under cybercrime include defamation, online fraud, dissemination of false information and unauthorized use of financial data.

• From a legal aspect: Arrestees punishable by long prison sentences, fines, and deportation of expatriates.

Who Is Affected?

Both locals and foreign nationals have been affected, and expats usually may be more impacted by not knowing the laws of UAE as they are not originally citizens.

Tourists: Even short-term visitors can be arrested for uploading information to the internet that violates local laws.

Advice and Precautions

Be Aware: UAE cyber laws are something that every resident and tourist to Dubai should be aware of.

Do not post anything containing or that would also be interpreted as libellous or offensive. 

Legal Support: Institutions such as Detained in Dubai can offer advice, legal referrals and assistance to victims of cybercrime.

It also highlights the UAE's hard stance around online ethics and helps us to understand more about being digital savvy. Digital check-in is unfettered but lawfully provocative and must be managed very precisely in order that residents and visitors should not be left open to the risk of otherwise draconian legal consequences.