State Security Court gives life sentences, fines to 'Bahlol Gang' members

Photo: WAM

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals – State Security Chamber – has convicted members of an organized criminal group known as the "Bahloul Gang" and sentenced them to prison for their crimes. The court handed out different punishments based on the severity of each person’s involvement. Eighteen people were sentenced to life in prison, 46 received 15-year prison terms, and 16 were given 5 years in prison along with a fine of AED 1 million. The court also ordered the confiscation of money, properties, vehicles, and weapons that were linked to the gang’s illegal activities. Some defendants were found not guilty and were acquitted.

Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the UAE Attorney-General, had instructed the authorities to take the members of the gang to trial for committing crimes that put the country’s security, public order, and safety at risk.

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The Bahloul Gang, which gave itself this name, was formed with the goal of carrying out illegal activities, making money through these activities, and sharing the profits among its members. The gang became influential in certain areas and used social media to promote their criminal behavior. They also used illegal weapons and tools to scare and control their victims.

One of the gang's major crimes was extorting money from victims, meaning they forced people to give them money through threats. In addition to this, they were involved in money laundering, which is when someone tries to hide or cover up where illegal money comes from.