UAE residents are being warned about the dangers of assisting strangers at ATMs by depositing money into their accounts, as legal experts stress that such actions could lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges.
Attorney Badr Abdullah Khamis emphasized in a Gulf Today report that depositing money for unknown individuals can result in the depositor being held legally accountable, especially if the funds are later linked to serious crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorist financing. He explained that even if the depositor is unaware of the illicit nature of the funds, they could still face charges.
“Whoever conducts a financial transfer or makes a deposit must verify the source of the funds and if they are legitimate, the entity receiving the funds, and the purpose of the transaction,” Khamis warned.
The UAE’s law on combating money laundering and financing terrorism is clear. Article 2 of this law classifies anyone who transfers or converts proceeds of crime, or engages in any transaction to disguise the illegal source of funds, as a perpetrator of money laundering. Violators can face prison terms ranging from one to ten years and fines between AED 100,000 and AED 5 million, depending on the severity of the case.
Attorney Musa Al Amri noted that recent court rulings have resulted in prison sentences and financial penalties for individuals who deposited funds into accounts linked to criminal activities, even if they were unaware of the criminal connections. He pointed out that deposits made at ATMs using someone else’s ID are particularly risky and advised extreme caution.
Legal advisor Dr. Ali Musbeh highlighted that direct bank transfers, which are traceable, offer greater transparency compared to ATM deposits for strangers. “These transactions are closely monitored, and any suspicious activity is immediately reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit,” he said.
Attorney Mohammed Hussain also warned that some individuals have resorted to begging for assistance at ATMs, using various excuses to convince others to deposit money for them. He emphasized that ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and individuals must be cautious.
Legal experts strongly advise residents to avoid entertaining any unjustified requests for financial assistance at ATMs. Those who feel pressured should contact their bank and retain evidence of the transaction to protect themselves from legal consequences.