Josh Weiner
As of May 2025, Balvinder Singh Sahni, widely known as “Abu Sabah,” a prominent Indian businessman based in Dubai, is serving a five-year prison sentence following his conviction for money laundering and financial fraud. The Dubai Criminal Court also imposed a fine of AED 500,000 and ordered the confiscation of approximately AED 150 million in assets. Upon completion of his sentence, Sahni is to be deported from the United Arab Emirates.
Background and Rise to Prominence
Born in Kuwait in 1972, Sahni established himself as a significant figure in Dubai’s real estate sector through his company, RSG Group. He gained international attention in 2016 when he purchased the coveted Dubai license plate number “5” for AED 33 million, a transaction that underscored his extravagant lifestyle.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
In December 2024, authorities initiated legal action against Sahni and 32 associates, including his eldest son, following investigations into a complex money laundering network involving shell companies and suspicious financial transactions.The court’s verdict in May 2025 resulted in multiple sentences:
- Sahni received a five-year prison term, a AED 500,000 fine, and asset confiscation totaling AED 150 million.
- Eleven individuals were sentenced in absentia to five years in prison and fined AED 500,000 each.
- Ten others received one-year sentences and AED 200,000 fines.
- Three corporate entities were fined AED 5 million each, with orders to confiscate proceeds from the crimes.
Impact on RSG Group and Dubai’s Business Community
The conviction of Sahni has cast a spotlight on corporate governance within Dubai’s real estate industry. RSG Group, known for high-profile projects like Qasr Sabah and Burj Sabah, faces increased scrutiny and potential restructuring to restore stakeholder confidence.
This case underscores the UAE’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of financial misconduct, regardless of an individual’s status or wealth.
As Sahni serves his sentence, the broader business community in Dubai is likely to experience heightened regulatory oversight, reinforcing the importance of transparency and ethical practices in maintaining the city’s reputation as a global financial hub
