Answer: Yes, they are. Pursuant to Articles 17 and 20 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, the UAE's criminal jurisdiction extends to acts committed outside the country if the result of the crime occurred within the UAE or if any part of the criminal act took place on UAE territory.
Accordingly, if:
- the fraudulent acts (such as advertising, correspondence, or solicitation of funds) were directed at individuals residing in the UAE;
- the victims were located in the UAE and transferred funds from local bank accounts;
then the case (Art. 451 Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) may be heard by the UAE criminal courts, even if the perpetrator operated from abroad.
Case law reference:
- Case No. 1305 of 2024 / Federal Supreme Court / Criminal Law, Cassation Appeal Download