Financial Crimes

Legal support for individuals and families affected by financial crime in the UAE – pursuing justice and recovery, or defending allegations.

Financial Crimes

We represent victims of financial crime and provide a strategic defense for the accused, protecting rights, assets, and reputations.

In-depth description

We provide dedicated legal support for victims of financial crimes seeking justice and asset recovery. Concurrently, we offer a discreet and strategic defense for individuals and corporations accused of such offenses, focusing on protecting the rights, reputation, and freedom of every client we serve.

Financial crimes in the UAE encompass fraud, embezzlement, cryptocurrency and investment scams, money laundering, Ponzi schemes, misappropriation of funds, and theft of business secrets. Both victims and accused face serious legal consequences — and in many cases, civil and criminal proceedings run simultaneously.

For victims, the first priority is preserving assets and evidence before they disappear. We coordinate with banks, regulators and law enforcement to trace funds, seek freezing orders and file criminal complaints and civil recovery claims in parallel.

For the accused, the first priority is building a coherent defence strategy before charges are formalised. UAE criminal proceedings move quickly. Legal representation from the earliest stage — ideally before police interviews — gives you the best chance of protecting your rights, reputation and freedom.

For Victims: Case analysis, evidence preservation, bank coordination, criminal complaints, asset tracing and recovery, and full civil and criminal representation.
For the Accused: Defence strategy, police interview preparation, case management from investigation through to final judgment, and parallel civil defence where needed.

Scope of work

For Victims: Provide dedicated legal support to seek justice and asset recovery, including coordinating with banks and filing civil/criminal cases.
For the Accused: Offer a discreet and strategic defence, focusing on protecting the rights, reputation, and freedom of the individual or corporation at every stage of the legal process.

Price range

AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (hourly rate for analysis and guidance)

AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 (hourly rate and/or fixed fee and/or success fee for filing or defending in court)

Deliverables

A comprehensive case strategy for recovery or defence.
Full representation in all legal proceedings.

Have you been affected by a financial crime?

Have you been defrauded or scammed in the UAE?

Investment fraud, crypto scams, Ponzi schemes and embezzlement are all criminal offences. Early action recovers more.

Did a business partner or employee steal from you?

Internal fraud and theft of business assets require immediate legal and criminal action to stop losses and preserve evidence.

Are you accused of a financial crime in the UAE?

Criminal allegations move fast in the UAE. A defence strategy must be in place before charges are formally filed.

Are you dealing with a cross-border financial fraud?

Cross-border financial fraud with UAE and European assets requires coordinated legal action across all jurisdictions.

Frequently asked questions

I was defrauded in an investment, can I recover my money?

Recovery is possible through criminal prosecution and civil claims, often simultaneously. Speed matters, as early action preserves assets and increases the chance of recovery. The UAE’s financial crime framework is increasingly effective, particularly for cases involving licensed entities or local accounts.

What counts as a financial crime in the UAE?

Financial crimes include fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, cryptocurrency scams and misappropriation of funds. Both offshore and onshore conduct can fall under UAE jurisdiction if it affects parties or assets in the country.

Can I be prosecuted for a financial mistake, not intent?

Intent is an element of most financial crime offences, but prosecutors sometimes pursue cases where negligence or recklessness is alleged. Having legal representation early, ideally before charges are formally filed, gives you the best chance of demonstrating the absence of criminal intent.

What happens if my business partner has committed fraud?

You may need to take simultaneous civil and criminal action. Asset freezing orders, criminal complaints and civil claims for damages can all be pursued in parallel. Acting before assets are dissipated is crucial; the earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options remain available.

Is it worth pursuing a small financial crime case in court?

It depends on the amount, evidence quality and the defendant’s assets. For smaller amounts, alternative mechanisms such as mediation or police complaints may be more cost-effective than full litigation. A brief legal assessment of your case is the best way to evaluate your realistic options.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Marie-Agnès Descrozaille

Partner – Commercial, Labor & Litigation

David Dutruc-Rosset

Associate – Family, Individuals & Litigation

Other services you might need

Financial crime cases in the UAE often involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. These services address the full legal exposure.

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WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

Financial crime cases need lawyers who combine forensic rigour with courtroom experience – on both sides of the dispute.

1.

Senior counsel only

Financial crime cases are led by senior lawyers only, with direct expertise in UAE criminal proceedings, civil recovery and parallel track strategy from day one.

2.

Victim & defence work

We represent both victims pursuing recovery and individuals defending allegations. This dual experience sharpens our strategy – we know how the other side thinks and use it.

3.

French-UAE fluency

Financial crime involving French nationals or multi-jurisdiction assets requires bilingual handling. We navigate both systems and coordinate with foreign counsel where needed.

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Talk to our team about your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you move forward with clarity.

Financial Crimes