Impersonation Of Law Enforcement Officials For Extortion
Impersonation of Law Enforcement Officials for Extortion in the UAE
In the UAE, impersonating police, government officials, or other authorities for personal gain is a serious crime. Relevant laws include:
Federal Penal Code (Law No. 3 of 1987) – Articles 228, 229, 273.
Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012, amended) – covering fraud, extortion, and impersonation using digital means.
Typical elements of the crime:
Pretending to be a law enforcement officer or government official.
Using that false identity to extort money, property, or favors.
The act can occur physically or online.
Case 1: Impersonation to Extort Rent Money (Dubai, 2018)
Facts:
A man pretended to be a police officer and visited several tenants in Dubai, claiming he was investigating their landlords for “illegal activity.” He demanded money to “settle the matter.”
Legal Issues:
Impersonation of a police officer.
Fraudulent extortion under UAE Penal Code Articles 228 and 273.
Court Decision:
The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced him to 5 years in prison and imposed a fine of AED 100,000.
The court emphasized that impersonating law enforcement officials erodes public trust.
Implications:
Even temporary or minor impersonation for small-scale extortion carries severe penalties.
Public trust in authorities is legally protected.
Case 2: Fake Traffic Police Scam (Abu Dhabi, 2019)
Facts:
Two men posed as traffic police officers and stopped drivers on highways. They demanded fines and payments in cash, threatening arrest for “traffic violations.”
Legal Issues:
Extortion via impersonation of law enforcement.
Fraudulent collection of money.
Court Decision:
Both perpetrators were sentenced to 7 years imprisonment each.
They were also ordered to return all money extorted to victims.
Implications:
Impersonation combined with threats significantly increases penalties.
Courts prioritize recovery of victims’ money.
Case 3: Online Impersonation and Extortion (Sharjah, 2020)
Facts:
A cybercriminal created social media accounts pretending to be Sharjah police officers. He contacted individuals claiming they were under investigation for financial crimes and demanded transfers of money to avoid arrest.
Legal Issues:
Cybercrime law violation (Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012).
Impersonation for financial gain and threat of legal action.
Court Decision:
The Sharjah Court sentenced the offender to 6 years imprisonment and imposed a fine of AED 200,000.
The ruling highlighted that online impersonation is treated equally seriously as in-person scams.
Implications:
Cyber impersonation cases carry penalties similar to physical impersonation.
UAE courts actively pursue digital extortion cases.
Case 4: Impersonation of Police to Access Confidential Documents (Dubai, 2021)
Facts:
A man pretending to be a Dubai police officer approached a private company to “inspect” confidential employee files. He attempted to demand money to release the files safely.
Legal Issues:
Impersonation of a government official.
Attempted extortion and fraud.
Breach of confidentiality laws.
Court Decision:
The Dubai Court of Appeal sentenced him to 8 years imprisonment.
Additional restitution of all improperly demanded payments.
Implications:
Attempting extortion in a professional setting aggravates the crime.
UAE courts impose longer sentences if the impersonation targets corporate or confidential data.
Case 5: Impersonation of Immigration Officials (Ajman, 2022)
Facts:
Two individuals posed as immigration officers and targeted expatriates, telling them they owed fines for visa violations. They demanded cash to “clear their records.”
Legal Issues:
Criminal impersonation of federal officials.
Extortion using fear of deportation or legal action.
Court Decision:
Both were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, plus a fine of AED 150,000 each.
They were banned from leaving the UAE until all fines and restitution were completed.
Implications:
Exploiting fears of deportation or legal penalties is treated very seriously.
Protecting expatriates from fraudulent claims is a priority for UAE courts.
Case 6: Gang Impersonating Police for Robbery (Dubai, 2023)
Facts:
A gang of four men stopped taxi drivers claiming to be police officers investigating stolen cash. They confiscated money and property under the pretense of an “official investigation.”
Legal Issues:
Multiple charges: impersonation, extortion, armed robbery, and fraud.
Court Decision:
Sentences ranged from 10 to 15 years imprisonment depending on participation.
AED 500,000 in restitution was ordered to victims.
Implications:
Impersonation combined with robbery escalates penalties significantly.
Gang involvement and premeditation increase punishment.
Key Legal Takeaways from These Cases
Articles 228 & 229 of the UAE Penal Code criminalize impersonating public officials, including police and government officers.
Article 273 covers extortion and fraud.
Cybercrime laws extend these offenses to online impersonation.
Sentences range from 5–15 years imprisonment depending on the crime’s severity and whether threats or robbery are involved.
Courts often require restitution to victims, emphasizing both punitive and restorative justice.
Impersonation cases are taken seriously due to the potential to erode public trust in law enforcement.
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