DUBAI: The ruling was issued by Dubai’s Fourth Criminal Court, which found Sahni guilty of operating a sophisticated money laundering network involving shell companies and suspicious cross-border financial transactions. A fine of Dh500,000 was also imposed on the billionaire, who gained international fame in 2016 for purchasing the ‘D5’ car number plate for Dh33 million at a special auction—then the most expensive plate in the emirate.

The case, involving 33 defendants including Sahni’s son, was initially referred from Bur Dubai Police Station to the Public Prosecution on December 18, 2024. The first court session was held on January 9 this year.

Investigations uncovered extensive financial records and business dealings spanning the UAE and other countries. The court ordered the seizure of not only Dh150 million believed to be laundered funds but also mobile phones, electronic devices, and documents tied to the illegal operation.

While some of the accused were tried in absentia, others appeared in court and received one-year prison terms along with fines of Dh200,000 each. Furthermore, three companies implicated in the scheme were each fined Dh50 million, with orders to confiscate any criminal assets under their control.

Sahni, the founder of a multinational property management firm, was widely known for his high-profile investments and extravagant lifestyle.