Criminal Law
What it is: Extortion and blackmail involve unlawfully forcing someone to hand over money or a benefit through threats, including threats to reveal private information or images. In the UAE these acts are criminalised under the Penal Code and, where they occur online, under the cybercrime law. When it applies: Cases arise both for victims seeking to report blackmail, often digital sextortion or threats over social media, and for those accused of making unlawful threats or demands. How a lawyer helps: For victims, a lawyer helps file a complaint with police or the public prosecution, preserves digital evidence, and can seek protective measures. For the accused, the lawyer scrutinises the alleged threats and intent, challenges weak or fabricated evidence, and represents you throughout the investigation and trial. Because online blackmail moves quickly, acting fast protects your position either way. First steps: Do not pay or negotiate alone with a blackmailer, keep screenshots, messages and transaction records, and contact a lawyer and the authorities promptly. If accused, avoid contact with the complainant and seek counsel before making statements. This is general information, not legal advice for a specific case.
