Fraud & Breach of Trust Lawyer in Dubai
Fraud allegations hinge on a specific mental element — deception, or misuse of a position of trust — not simply on the fact that money changed hands and one side is unhappy with the result. Getting that distinction right, from either side of the case, shapes everything that follows.
Fraud under UAE law generally requires establishing deception used to obtain a benefit or cause harm, while breach of trust involves the misuse of property or authority entrusted to someone in a specific capacity — an employee, agent, or fiduciary. Both carry criminal exposure distinct from any civil claim for the underlying loss.
Business partnerships, employment relationships, and agency arrangements are common settings for breach of trust allegations, often arising when a relationship breaks down and one party believes the other misused funds, information, or authority during the course of the relationship.
We represent both complainants pursuing fraud and breach of trust allegations and individuals defending against them, working through the specific facts to establish or challenge the deception or misuse of trust the allegation depends on.
How We Handle Fraud & Breach of Trust Matters
- Facts and Relationship ReviewWe establish the underlying relationship — business, employment, or agency — and the specific conduct alleged to constitute fraud or breach of trust.
- Mental Element AssessmentWe assess whether the facts support the deception or misuse of trust required for a criminal allegation, or whether the matter is better characterized as a civil dispute.
- Complaint or Response PreparationFor complainants, we prepare the complaint framing the specific deceptive conduct or breach. For the accused, we prepare a response addressing the mental element directly.
- Documentary Evidence ReviewWe review contracts, communications, and financial records that bear on whether the conduct alleged genuinely constitutes fraud or breach of trust.
- Prosecution and Trial RepresentationWe represent clients before the Public Prosecution and at trial, presenting the case for or against the allegation with the necessary evidentiary support.
- Civil Claim CoordinationWhere a related civil recovery claim exists, we coordinate the criminal and civil strategies to avoid inconsistent positions and maximize the overall outcome.
When to Bring in a Fraud & Breach of Trust Lawyer
- A business relationship has broken down and you believe the other party acted deceptively or misused entrusted funds.
- You've been accused of fraud or breach of trust arising from a business, employment, or agency relationship.
- An employee or agent is suspected of misusing company funds or authority.
- You're unsure whether a failed deal or investment involves genuine fraud or is simply a civil dispute.
- You need to understand how a fraud complaint might interact with a related civil claim.
- You're facing a complaint you believe is based on a misunderstanding of a legitimate business decision.
Services We Provide
- Fraud complaint preparation and filing
- Breach of trust complaint preparation and filing
- Defense against fraud and breach of trust allegations
- Documentary and financial evidence review
- Representation before the Public Prosecution and at trial
- Coordination of criminal complaints with civil recovery claims
- Advice on whether conduct constitutes fraud or a civil dispute
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a failed business deal and fraud?
Fraud requires establishing intentional deception used to obtain a benefit, while a failed deal without that deceptive element — even if one party lost money — is typically a civil matter rather than a criminal one.
Can an employee be prosecuted for breach of trust?
Yes — misuse of funds, information, or authority entrusted to an employee in the course of their role can constitute breach of trust, separate from any civil claim the employer may also have.
What evidence is needed to support a fraud complaint?
You generally need to establish the specific deceptive conduct, that it was relied upon, and that it resulted in a benefit to the accused or harm to the complainant — documentary and communication evidence is often central.
Can I pursue both a criminal complaint and civil recovery for the same fraud?
In many cases yes, and the two can proceed together, though how they interact procedurally depends on the specific circumstances and should be planned carefully from the outset.
What should I do if I'm accused of breach of trust in a business dispute?
Respond promptly and carefully, addressing the specific mental element the allegation requires — a considered response early in the process is generally more effective than a general denial.