- Online Defamation
- WhatsApp Insult Cases
- Business Defamation Allegations
- Online Blackmail
- Extortion Through Threats
- Criminal Intimidation & Death Threats
- What to do next
- FAQ
An argument over a unpaid invoice moves to WhatsApp. One message includes a voice note calling the other party a thief. Two days later a police summons arrives at the office.A representative scene, not a reported case.
01Online Defamation
Defamation is attributing to a person a fact that would expose them to punishment or contempt. Online, the law applies to social media posts, reviews, videos, group chats and messages. The Cybercrimes law and the Penal Code are the main sources.
We look at what was said, to whom, whether it identified the person, and whether it was presented as fact or opinion. Context, such as a genuine complaint to an authority, can change the analysis.
02WhatsApp Insult Cases
Insults sent privately can still be prosecuted if they are received by the complainant or shared. People are often surprised that a one-to-one message can be the subject of a complaint.
Do not reply in kind, delete the chat or contact the complainant to 'sort it out'. A calm, documented position is better. In some cases a prompt apology or settlement, with the right advice, resolves the matter.
Speak to a Criminal Defence LawyerSend us the contract or the key messages and we will tell you where you stand.
WhatsApp us03Business Defamation Allegations
Business owners are accused of defamation after negative reviews, public complaints about a supplier, or warnings to others in the industry. Companies also complain about former staff.
The commercial dispute usually sits behind it. We assess the criminal exposure and the underlying civil claim together. See commercial disputes and debt recovery for the other side of that conflict.
04Online Blackmail
Blackmail generally involves threatening to disclose information, images or allegations to obtain money or a benefit. Online blackmail often arises from private images, leaked chats or threats to report someone to an employer.
If you are the victim, preserve everything, do not pay, and consult us before replying. If you are accused, the question is whether there was a threat, a demand and the intent to obtain something. A lawful demand for a debt is not blackmail, but the way it is made can create exposure.
05Extortion Through Threats
Extortion involves compelling a person to hand over money or do something by threat. It overlaps with blackmail and can also include threats of violence or of harming property.
The evidence is usually in the messages, call logs and bank transfers. We help complainants present a clear file and defendants test whether the elements are made out.
06Criminal Intimidation & Death Threats
Threatening to kill or seriously harm someone is treated seriously, even where it was said in anger. Prosecutors look at the words, the relationship and whether the person had reason to believe it.
Defence often rests on context: an argument, exaggeration, or a statement that was not communicated to the complainant. Where the complainant is genuinely at risk, we help with immediate protection and reporting.
What to do in the next 48 hours
- Preserve, do not editKeep the original messages, voice notes and links. Do not crop or delete.
- Stop all contact on the issueReplying often creates new evidence. If you must respond, let counsel do it.
- Call us before the interviewIf summoned, we attend with you. We can respond urgently at any hour.
Documents we ask for first
- Summons or complaint details
- Full message thread with dates
- Posts, videos or reviews in question
- Background documents for the underlying dispute
- Witness details
- Your ID and contact information
Questions we are asked
Is truth a defence to defamation in the UAE?
Not automatically. The rules are narrower than many people expect, and context matters. We advise on how the law applies to the statement.
Can the complainant withdraw the case?
In some offences the complainant's waiver can affect the case. It depends on the charge and the stage. We confirm before relying on it.
What if someone is blackmailing me?
Do not pay, keep everything and contact us. We help with reporting and with protecting your position.
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.
Call nowThis 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.