Penalty Info

Home / United Arab Emirates / Bankruptcy fraud

Bankruptcy fraudPossibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Art. 268 — debtor declared bankrupt by final judgment who, after ceasing to repay debts, conceals/destroys/alters books to harm creditors; disposes of assets to exclude them from creditors; conceals part of assets to harm creditors; acknowledges debts not owed / reduces assets knowinglyPossibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Imprisonment up to 5 years
Fine
Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or

Negligent bankruptcy — bankruptcy attributable to the debtor's fault (article number not verified)Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Imprisonment up to 2 years
Fine
Fine up to AED 60,000

Imprisonment and fine, or either. From court reporting.

Source

Statute
Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2023, Art. 268
Official source
Mirror of Decree-Law 51/2023 (legaladviceme) + Gulf News court reporting — official text not retrieved
Verification status
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.