Abu Dhabi Criminal Court has handed down prison sentences to eight individuals found guilty of online child sexual exploitation. The ruling included jail terms ranging from three to fifteen years, along with heavy fines and additional penalties aimed at curbing digital abuse. The case highlights the growing risks posed by online platforms where offenders target minors through deceptive tactics. It also underscores the strong legal measures being taken to combat such crimes in the region.

Sentences and Prison Terms

The court issued prison terms of varying lengths, with the shortest sentence set at three years and the longest extending to fifteen years. Each defendant was convicted of using digital platforms to exploit minors, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary addressed the offenses.

Use of Social Media and Gaming Platforms

Investigations revealed that the defendants used social media networks and online gaming platforms as tools to approach minors. By posing as peers or using manipulative strategies, they were able to lure children into harmful interactions. The evidence presented showed that explicit content was not only created but also shared among the group, further aggravating their crimes.

Fines and Financial Penalties

In addition to prison terms, the court imposed financial penalties reaching up to Dh1 million. These fines were designed both as punishment and as a deterrent against similar offenses in the future. The significant monetary consequences highlight how seriously authorities treat crimes involving children’s safety online.

Confiscation of Devices and Internet Restrictions

As part of the judgment, electronic devices used in committing the crimes were confiscated by authorities. The court also ordered a ban on internet access for those convicted, effectively cutting off their ability to engage in further online misconduct. Accounts linked to illegal activities were permanently closed as part of these restrictions.

Deportation Orders for Convicts

Three of the convicted individuals will face deportation following completion of their prison sentences. This measure reflects an additional layer of accountability beyond incarceration and financial penalties, ensuring that those involved cannot remain within local communities after serving their time. The ruling demonstrates a comprehensive approach by combining imprisonment, financial sanctions, digital restrictions, and deportation orders into one decisive judgment against online exploitation crimes. The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court’s decision sends a strong message about zero tolerance toward child exploitation in digital spaces. By imposing lengthy sentences alongside strict financial and technological penalties, authorities aim not only to punish offenders but also to deter potential future violations. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from online threats while reinforcing that justice systems are prepared to act firmly against those who exploit vulnerable individuals through technology.