Dubai, August 28 – Indian-origin businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, widely known as Abu Sabah, has been convicted in Dubai for his role in a major money laundering case. A Dubai appellate court upheld a four-year prison sentence against him while significantly increasing financial penalties to AED 150 million (approx. ₹358 crore), in addition to a AED 500,000 fine. The court also ordered confiscation of assets and his deportation after serving the sentence.
Sahni, born in Kuwait in 1972 to a Punjabi family, is the founder of the Raj Sahni Group (RSG), which has business interests in real estate and investments across the UAE, India, and the US. His group has developed luxury projects such as Burj Sabah, Qasr Sabah, and the five-star Sabah Dubai Hotel.
Well-known for his extravagant lifestyle, Sahni was often seen in Dubai’s elite circles. He gained public attention for purchasing the coveted “D5” number plate in Dubai for AED 33 million (~₹75 crore). He also maintained a strong social media presence, showcasing his luxury cars and lifestyle.
According to Dubai authorities, Sahni and several co-defendants, including his son, were involved in laundering illicit funds through shell companies and falsified documents. The initial ruling sentenced him to five years in prison, but the appellate court later reduced it to four years while maintaining higher fines.
The verdict highlights the UAE’s strict approach towards financial crimes and marks a significant fall for a businessman once celebrated in Dubai’s real estate sector.
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