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AK Litigation& Criminal Law Firm
Criminal · Dubai, UAE

Cybercrime Defence Lawyers in Dubai

Cybercrime in the UAE is governed mainly by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes. An allegation often starts with a complaint, a device seizure or a call from the police. What you say and sign in the first interview matters. We attend, advise and review the file before any statement is made.

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Dr Alaa AL Houshy, lawyer at AK Litigation & Criminal Law Firm
Dr Alaa AL HoushyLawyer, AK Litigation & Criminal Law Firm

A finance manager is asked to come to a police station about a complaint that someone accessed a former employer's email. He thinks it is a short conversation. His phone and laptop are taken at the end of it.A representative scene, not a reported case.

01Unauthorised Access to Computer Systems

The offence is generally accessing an information system, network or account without permission, or exceeding the access you were given. The prosecution has to show access, the lack of authority and, for most offences, intent.

Disputes tend to centre on authority: a shared password, a former employee whose access was never switched off, a family member's device. The fact that a password worked does not by itself prove criminal intent. We look at who set up the access, who was told and what the logs show.

Detailed guide: Unauthorised Access to Computer Systems

02Email & Social Media Account Hacking

Hacking allegations involve email, WhatsApp, Instagram and similar accounts. Evidence usually comes from the platform's records, device forensics and IP logs.

Common defences concern identity: a shared network, a shared device, a spoofed IP. Equally, some complainants are former partners or colleagues with a dispute behind the complaint. We examine that context and request the technical evidence.

Detailed guide: Email & Social Media Account Hacking

Speak to a Criminal Defence LawyerSend us the contract or the key messages and we will tell you where you stand.

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03Illegal Access to Corporate Computer Networks

Allegations involving company systems often come from an employer after a resignation, a dispute or a suspected data leak. They may include claims of copying files, deleting data or sending information outside the company.

These cases frequently sit next to a civil claim. We coordinate the two tracks, because an admission in one is an exhibit in the other. For the commercial side, see company management and director disputes.

Detailed guide: Illegal Access to Corporate Computer Networks

04Cyberstalking Allegations

These allegations concern repeated unwanted contact, monitoring or harassment through electronic means. The line between a persistent business message and criminal harassment depends on content, frequency and the recipient's objection.

Preserve the full message history, including the messages that do not help you. A selective screenshot is easy to challenge. We review the whole thread before advising on any response.

Detailed guide: Cyberstalking Allegations

What to do in the next 48 hours

  1. Do not unlock or delete anythingDo not delete messages, wipe devices or log out of accounts. Deletion is often read as concealment.
  2. Call before you attendIf summoned, call us first. We can attend with you and review what you are being asked to sign.
  3. Write down what you did and whenA private timeline of access, devices and accounts, for your lawyer only.

Documents we ask for first

  • Summons or complaint reference
  • Device and account details
  • Employment contract and IT policies
  • Any permission or authority to access
  • Messages and emails relevant to the dispute
  • IDs and contact details

Questions we are asked

Do I have to unlock my phone?

Do not volunteer access before taking advice. Authorities have powers in an investigation, so we advise on your rights and how to respond properly.

Can I be charged for using a shared password?

It depends on authority and intent. A shared password may indicate permission, but that is a question of fact.

Is a settlement with the complainant possible?

For some offences, the complainant's position affects how the case proceeds. We assess whether it applies to your charge.

Related disputes

Ready to talk it through?Have the contract, the latest message and any notice in front of you. Call or WhatsApp is fine.

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This page is general information on UAE criminal law as we understand it at the date of drafting, with references to the legislation by name. Penalties depend on the exact article charged, the facts and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, so we do not quote ranges here. It is not legal advice, and no result is guaranteed.

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