Source: Emirates Today – Dubai
The Dubai Court of First Instance has ordered a man of Arab nationality to pay a woman 1.73 million dirhams, after it was proven that he had unlawfully taken her money and a vehicle belonging to her. The case stemmed from financial disputes and ended with criminal rulings that convicted the defendant and imposed a fine.
The case details show that an Arab woman filed a lawsuit stating that the defendant had taken a large sum of money obtained from the sale of a property, in addition to a sports car. She reported the incident to the Dubai Police, after which the Public Prosecution referred the case to the criminal court on charges of embezzling movable funds.
According to case documents, the total disputed amount and assets amounted to around 1.73 million dirhams, including 1.68 million dirhams representing the proceeds from the sale of a property, plus the value of the car estimated at about 50,000 dirhams.
During the criminal proceedings, a first-instance judgment acquitted the defendant. However, the plaintiff appealed the ruling, and the Public Prosecution also filed an appeal, while the defendant submitted a counter-appeal.
At the Court of Appeal, the case took a different turn, as the court overturned the acquittal and instead convicted the defendant, fining him 20,000 dirhams and ordering him to repay 1.73 million dirhams in stolen funds.
The dispute did not end there, as the ruling was challenged before the Court of Cassation. However, the appeal was rejected on procedural grounds, making the criminal judgment final and binding. The plaintiff then relied on this final ruling to file a civil case demanding repayment and compensation for damages.
During the civil proceedings, the defendant requested the dismissal of the case and, alternatively, asked for an accounting expert to review the financial transactions. However, the court held that the final criminal judgment had already established the elements of wrongdoing and misappropriation, which could not be re-examined in civil court.
The court explained that civil liability is established when fault, damage, and causation are proven. It confirmed that the plaintiff suffered material damage through the loss of her money and vehicle, as well as moral and psychological harm resulting from the incident and prolonged legal proceedings.
The court also noted that the defendant failed to prove repayment or settlement of the debt, meaning his liability for the full amount remained valid.
Accordingly, the court ruled that the defendant must pay the plaintiff 1.73 million dirhams, plus 5% legal interest from the date the judgment becomes final until full payment, in addition to court fees, expenses, and legal fees.