Photo Source: ANI
UAE: Indian Billionaire sentenced to 5 years in Dubai for money laundering
By Mehak Arora
Dubai, UAE, May 6, 2025 – Indian billionaire and founder of a prominent property management firm, Balwinder Singh Sahni, has been sentenced to five years in prison by a Dubai court after being found guilty in a major money laundering case.
In addition to the prison term, authorities have ordered the confiscation of AED 150 million (approximately Rs 344 crore) and imposed a fine of AED 500,000 (around Rs 1.14 crore). Following the completion of his sentence, Sahni will be deported from the UAE.
Massive Fraud Through Shell Companies
According to the court, Sahni colluded with a criminal gang to launder money through a network of shell companies.
He is accused of creating fake entities and manipulating transactions involving around AED 150 million.Investigators uncovered numerous suspicious financial dealings, which led to the conclusion that Sahni was operating a sophisticated money laundering network.
As part of the verdict, Sahni’s funds and electronic devices have been seized. The court emphasized that his deportation will follow after he serves his prison sentence in Dubai.
34 Others Also Convicted
Alongside Sahni, his son and 32 other individuals were also convicted. Some were tried in absentia and received lighter sentences, including one year in prison and fines of AED 200,000.
Additionally, three companies involved in the operation were each fined AED 50 million. Authorities confirmed that several suspects are still at large, and efforts to track them down are ongoing.
Who is Balwinder Singh Sahni?
Balwinder Singh Sahni, widely known in Dubai as "Abu Sabah," is a well-known Indian entrepreneur with business interests spanning the UAE, USA, and India. He is the former chairman of RSG Group, a global property management company.
Born in Kuwait in 1972, Sahni began his entrepreneurial journey selling auto spare parts before moving into the real estate sector. His estimated net worth is around $2 billion.
Known for His Lavish Lifestyle
Sahni is famous for his luxurious lifestyle, particularly his love for the number 9, the color blue, and high-end cars. In 2016, he made headlines by purchasing the ‘D5’ number plate for AED 33 million (₹75 crore), making it the most expensive number plate at the time. He once revealed that he bought a black Bugatti to ward off the evil eye.