An Abu Dhabi court has handed prison terms to eight people convicted of exploiting minors online, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years and fines of up to AED1 million.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, the group lured children through social media and gaming platforms, coercing them into sharing explicit material. They were also found guilty of possessing and distributing indecent content involving minors.
The court’s ruling went beyond jail terms and financial penalties. It ordered the confiscation of all devices used in the crimes, permanently shut down the offenders’ online accounts, and imposed a ban on their internet access. Three of those convicted will also be deported after serving their prison sentences.
The convictions followed a thorough investigation by Abu Dhabi authorities, who tracked suspicious activity online. Forensic examination of seized devices confirmed the presence of child pornography that had been obtained and circulated.
In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity. It reminded families to educate minors on the risks of accepting unknown friend requests and to guide them on how to respond to possible online blackmail.
This ruling comes as part of the UAE’s wider efforts to tackle online child abuse. Authorities recently joined a global operation led by Argentina under the “AI for Safer Kids” initiative, a program launched by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and the UN’s Crime and Justice Research Institute in 2020. That effort led to dozens of arrests across 15 countries, the rescue of minors, and the seizure of hundreds of electronic devices.
