What happens if someone files a false police case in UAE?
Filing a police complaint in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taken very seriously. The justice system in Dubai and across the UAE is designed to protect victims of crime — but equally, it protects people from false accusations.
A question I often hear from clients, business owners, and expatriates is:
“What happens if someone files a false police case against me in the UAE?”
The short answer is: it can itself become a criminal offence.
Under UAE law, submitting a false complaint, fabricating evidence, or intentionally accusing an innocent person may lead to imprisonment, fines, or even punishment equivalent to the crime that was falsely reported.
This article explains everything in detail — legally, practically, and strategically — from the perspective of a Dubai lawyer with more than 25 years of experience handling criminal, cybercrime, and defamation cases.
1. Understanding False Police Cases in the UAE
A false police case generally means:
- Reporting a crime that never happened
- Accusing someone knowing they are innocent
- Manipulating facts to create criminal liability
- Fabricating or falsifying evidence
- Using police reports as revenge or pressure tactics
The UAE legal system does not punish someone merely because the case was dismissed. The key legal element is:
Bad faith / malicious intent.
If a person genuinely believed a crime occurred, they are usually protected — even if investigations later prove otherwise.
UAE Law Governing False Reports
The primary legal framework comes from:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (UAE Penal Code)
- Specific provisions dealing with false reporting (Articles 324 & 325)
Article 324 – Reporting a Non-Existent Crime
This applies when someone:
- Reports an incident that never occurred
- Creates fake risks or events
- Knows that no crime happened
Possible punishment:
- Jail sentence (up to six months)
- Fine
- Or both
Article 325 – Malicious False Accusations
This is more serious.
It applies when a person:
- Accuses another person in bad faith
- Creates material evidence against someone
- Initiates proceedings against an innocent person
Penalties may include:
- Imprisonment
- Fine
- Both penalties together
If the fake accusation involves a serious felony, punishment becomes significantly harsher — and in extreme cases the false accuser may face the same punishment that would have been imposed on the innocent person.
What the Courts Look For (Key Legal Elements)
Many people assume every failed case is a false case — this is not correct.
UAE courts usually examine five main factors:
Was a complaint submitted?
Could it lead to criminal punishment?
Was it submitted to authorities?
Was it objectively false?
Did the complainant KNOW it was false?
Without proving intentional deception, a false complaint charge may not succeed.
Real-Life Situations Where False Cases Arise
After decades in Dubai practice, I commonly see false cases appear in:
Business & Employment Disputes
- Employee accused of theft after resigning
- Fake embezzlement allegations
- Contract disputes turned into criminal complaints
Personal Relationship Conflicts
- Breakups leading to accusations
- Domestic disputes escalating to police reports
- Emotional revenge complaints
Financial Conflicts
- Debt disputes presented as fraud
- False cheating allegations to apply pressure
Online & Digital Disputes
- False cybercrime complaints
- Misleading social media accusations
- Fake reputational claims
The UAE authorities are increasingly strict with online misconduct and misinformation, especially through digital channels.
False Reports vs Honest Mistakes (Critical Difference)
Let’s clarify something important:
Not every wrong accusation = criminal false case.
A complaint is usually not punishable if:
- The person honestly believed a crime occurred
- There is misunderstanding or confusion
- Evidence later contradicts the claim
A false report becomes criminal when:
- The person knowingly lies
- Evidence was fabricated
- The goal was to harm or pressure someone
This distinction often decides the entire outcome.
What Happens Procedurally After a False Case Is Filed?
If someone files a police complaint against you:
Step 1 — Police Investigation
Police collect:
- Statements
- CCTV evidence
- Digital records
- Witness testimonies
At this stage, authorities remain neutral.
Step 2 — Public Prosecution Review
If evidence is weak or contradictory, prosecutors may:
- Dismiss the case
- Archive it
- Refer for further investigation
Step 3 — Counter Action (If False Reporting Proven)
If malicious intent becomes clear:
- The accused party may file a counter complaint
- Prosecutors may charge the original complainant
This transforms the accuser into the accused.
Possible Punishments for Filing False Police Cases
Depending on severity:
Penalties may include:
- Imprisonment (months to years)
- Financial fines
- Criminal record
- Deportation risk (for expatriates)
- Civil compensation claims
In serious cases involving fabricated felony accusations:
⚠️ The penalty can mirror the punishment intended for the innocent victim.
If You Are Falsely Accused — What Should You Do?
From my experience, the first 48 hours matter most.
Stay Calm & Cooperative
Do not argue emotionally with police.
Hire a Lawyer Early
A lawyer can:
- Protect your statements
- Prevent accidental admissions
- Present evidence strategically
Preserve Evidence
Save:
- Messages
- Emails
- CCTV footage
- Financial records
- Witness details
Avoid Social Media Discussion
The UAE has strict cybercrime laws regarding public statements and misinformation.
Can You Sue Someone for Filing a False Case?
Yes.
You may:
A. File Criminal Complaint
Under Articles 324 & 325.
B. File Civil Compensation Claim
You may request damages for:
- Reputation damage
- Financial loss
- Emotional harm
- Business impact
This is very common in Dubai commercial disputes.
False Cases & Cybercrime Complaints
In modern UAE practice, many false allegations happen online.
Cybercrime law punishes:
- Spreading false or misleading information
- Rumours causing public anxiety
- Digital defamation or fabricated claims
Penalties can include:
- Prison sentences
- Heavy fines (sometimes exceeding AED 100,000+)
Why the UAE Takes False Reporting Seriously
There are three main policy reasons:
Protect innocent individuals
Preserve judicial resources
Prevent abuse of the legal system
False complaints waste investigative time and undermine public trust — therefore authorities adopt zero tolerance when malicious intent is clear.
Common Myths (Explained)
If my case is dismissed, I automatically win.
The police don’t punish false complainants.
Online accusations don’t count.
Practical Example Scenario
Imagine this:
A former employee accuses a manager of theft after termination.
Investigation finds:
- CCTV shows no theft
- Emails reveal revenge motive
- Witnesses contradict complaint
Outcome may include:
- Dismissal of original case
- Criminal proceedings against complainant
- Possible civil damages
I have seen variations of this repeatedly in Dubai commercial practice.
How Long Do False Case Investigations Take?
Typical range:
- 2–6 weeks (simple matters)
- Several months (complex disputes)
Factors affecting speed:
- Digital evidence analysis
- Witness availability
- Financial documentation
- Cybercrime review
Patience and strategic legal guidance are essential.
Can Expats Be Deported for False Cases?
Potentially yes.
If a false report leads to criminal conviction:
- Deportation may be ordered by the court
- Travel restrictions could apply
This risk is often underestimated by residents.
Preventing False Complaints (Professional Advice)
If you are a business owner or senior professional:
- Document all communications
- Use written contracts
- Install proper CCTV where legal
- Keep employment records updated
- Avoid verbal-only agreements
Prevention is always easier than litigation.
Final Thoughts — The Reality of False Cases in UAE
The UAE justice system aims to balance two principles:
- Encourage victims to report crimes
- Punish those who abuse the system
If someone files a false police case:
They may face criminal liability themselves.
However, success depends on proving:
- Intentional deception
- Malicious purpose
- Clear contradiction of facts
As a legal practitioner who has handled such matters for decades in Dubai, my biggest advice is simple:
Never treat a police complaint casually — whether you filed it or received it.
The outcome can impact:
- Reputation
- Employment
- Immigration status
- Freedom itself.
Quick Summary
- Filing false police reports is criminalized in the UAE.
- Articles 324 & 325 Penal Code govern false accusations.
- Punishments include jail, fines, and possible equivalent penalties.
- Bad faith intent must be proven.
- Victims can file counter-cases and claim compensation.
- Cybercrime laws also apply to digital false accusations.
