Cybercrime & Online Offenses Lawyer Dubai
Being blackmailed, defamed or targeted online - or accused of an online offense? Speak to a lawyer before you respond, pay, or delete anything.
Online offenses move fast and the evidence can disappear quickly if it is not handled correctly. MBM advises both victims and defendants in cybercrime matters across the UAE - online fraud, electronic blackmail and extortion, and online or social media defamation - from the first report through to representation before the criminal courts.
Are you the person affected, or the person accused?
Cybercrime matters look very different depending on which side you are on. Pick the situation that matches yours.
Someone is threatening, defrauding or defaming you online
Whether it is a blackmail demand, a hacked account, an online scam, or defamatory content posted about you, what you do in the first hours can affect what can later be proven.
- You are being blackmailed or extorted, online or via messaging apps
- Someone has posted defamatory or false content about you
- You have lost money to an online scam or fraud
- An account has been hacked or accessed without permission
- You need advice on reporting a matter and preserving evidence
You have been accused of an online offense
A complaint of online fraud, blackmail or defamation can move quickly to a police file. Advice before you respond to any message or interview matters.
- You have been contacted by the police about online conduct
- A complaint has been made about something you posted or sent
- You are accused of unauthorised access to an account or system
- You are unsure whether something you did online is a criminal matter
- A case has already been referred to Public Prosecution
Cybercrime and online offenses under UAE law
Online conduct in the UAE is addressed principally under the UAE's dedicated cybercrime legislation, which covers online fraud, unauthorised access to electronic systems and accounts, electronic blackmail and extortion, and online defamation, among other conduct. These provisions apply to conduct carried out over messaging platforms and social media, not only through system hacking in the traditional sense.
Whether specific online conduct meets the threshold for a criminal complaint, and what evidence is required, depends on the facts. This page describes the general framework; it is not advice on your matter.
UAE Legislation — uaelegislation.gov.ae · Dubai Public Prosecution — dxbpp.gov.ae · Dubai Police e-Crime — dubaipolice.gov.ae
What MBM does if you are being targeted online
Practical steps, taken quickly and discreetly.
Assess the threat or the loss
We review what has been sent, said or taken, and what evidence already exists, before deciding on the reporting strategy.
Advise on preserving evidence
What to keep, what to screenshot, and what not to delete - so the report to the authorities is supported by proper evidence.
Prepare and lodge the complaint
We help prepare a clear, evidence-backed report to the relevant authority, including Dubai Police’s e-crime channels where applicable.
Pursue the civil dimension where relevant
Online fraud or defamation can also give rise to a civil claim - see civil law.
Represent you through the process
From the initial report through Public Prosecution and, if needed, the criminal courts.
What MBM does on an online offense defense
A calm, evidence-led assessment before anything is said to the authorities.
Review the allegation
We look at exactly what is alleged, what platform or communication is involved, and what evidence the complainant is likely to rely on.
Prepare before any interview
Where a police or Public Prosecution interview is scheduled, we advise beforehand so a statement is not given without understanding its consequences.
Address account and device evidence
Digital evidence questions - who had access, when, and from where - are often central to these cases.
Coordinate any civil exposure
Where a related civil claim exists, we coordinate with MBM’s civil litigation team.
Represent at every stage
From the first police contact through Public Prosecution to the criminal courts and, where grounds exist, appeal.
From report or accusation to resolution
Cybercrime matters generally follow the same procedural path as other criminal matters in the UAE.
Report or Investigation
A complaint is lodged, or an investigation opens following a report - evidence preservation is critical from this point.
Police
Statements, interviews and, where relevant, digital forensic review before Dubai Police or the relevant authority.
Public Prosecution
Referral to Public Prosecution, further questioning, and a decision on whether the matter proceeds to criminal court.
Criminal Court
Proceedings before the Court of First Instance, based on the evidence and applicable UAE law.
Judgment
The Court issues its judgment on the evidence and arguments presented.
Appeal
Where grounds exist, assessing and pursuing an appeal before the Court of Appeal, within strict statutory timeframes.
Discretion, on a subject that is inherently sensitive
Cybercrime matters often involve embarrassing, personal or reputationally sensitive material. MBM handles every engagement with discretion, whichever side of the matter you are on.
- We act on both sides. Advising victims and defendants gives us a practical understanding of how these cases are actually built and defended.
- Litigation experience in-house. The people advising you are the people who would represent you before the court.
- Civil and criminal together. Online fraud and defamation often carry both dimensions - see civil law.
- No promises on outcome. MBM’s role is diligent, strategic representation on the facts and the applicable law.
Cybercrime in the UAE, answered directly
General information, not advice on your matter. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your specific facts.
What counts as cybercrime under UAE law?
Cybercrime in the UAE is addressed principally under dedicated cybercrime legislation, which covers a wide range of online conduct including online fraud, unauthorised access to electronic systems, electronic blackmail and extortion, and online defamation. Which provisions apply depends on the specific conduct and evidence.
I am being blackmailed online - what should I do first?
Do not pay, and avoid deleting messages, images or accounts connected to the matter - preserved evidence is often central to these cases. Speak to a lawyer promptly about reporting the matter and protecting your position.
Can someone be prosecuted for defamation posted on social media in the UAE?
Yes. Online and social media defamation can carry criminal exposure under UAE cybercrime legislation, in addition to any separate civil claim for damages that may arise from the same conduct.
What should I do if I am accused of an online offense such as blackmail or online fraud?
Seek legal advice before responding to any message, providing a statement, or attending an interview with the police or Public Prosecution. Early advice can affect what options remain available later.
Can a matter be reported to Dubai Police if the blackmail happened over WhatsApp or social media?
Yes. UAE cybercrime provisions apply to conduct carried out through messaging platforms, social media and other electronic means, not only through traditional hacking or system intrusion.
What evidence is useful in an online blackmail or extortion case?
Screenshots, message logs, account details, timestamps and any payment demands are generally useful. MBM can advise on what to preserve and how, without engaging further with the person making the threat.
Can a business be the victim of a cybercrime, and can MBM assist?
Yes. Businesses can be targeted by online fraud, unauthorised access or extortion attempts. MBM advises companies on reporting these matters and on any related civil recovery.
Is there a difference between civil and criminal liability for online defamation?
Yes. The same defamatory statement can potentially give rise to both a criminal complaint under cybercrime legislation and a separate civil claim for damages. MBM can advise on both dimensions and coordinate with its civil litigation team.
Is my consultation about an online matter confidential?
Yes. Every consultation and engagement with MBM is treated with professional confidentiality, whether you are the person affected or the person facing an allegation.
Can MBM guarantee that online content will be removed or that a case will succeed?
No responsible law firm can guarantee an outcome, including the removal of online content or the result of a criminal complaint. MBM's role is to advise on the realistic options and pursue them diligently.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer about a cybercrime matter?
As soon as possible - both to preserve evidence properly and, where you are the person accused, before any statement is given to the police, Public Prosecution or a platform.
Tell us what has happened
Tell us briefly about your situation, whichever side of it you are on. Our team will review your enquiry and advise on the appropriate next step. Everything you send is treated as confidential.
If a threat is ongoing or an interview is imminent, please call rather than waiting for a reply by email.
- +971 4 570 0204Dubai office · Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111You can send screenshots directly if that is easier
- info@mbm-co.comAttach screenshots or any notice you have received
Thank you — your enquiry is with our team.
A member of MBM’s criminal law team will review what you have sent and come back to you with the appropriate next step, in confidence.
If the matter is urgent, please call +971 4 570 0204 rather than waiting.
Online matters move fast. Evidence disappears faster.
Whether you are being threatened online or facing an allegation about your own conduct, the earlier the matter is reviewed, the more can be done to protect your position. The first consultation is confidential.