Abu Dhabi, UAE – August 24, 2024: The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Claims Court has ruled that an Asian woman must pay Dh118,600 in compensation to a man for stealing a SIM card and racking up charges over four years.

The verdict, reported by Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm, holds the defendant accountable for the theft and unauthorized usage of the phone line, which led to substantial financial damages for the plaintiff.

The case revolves around a woman who, after leaving her employment with the man, took his SIM card without his consent. The court found that she made calls over an extended period, which ultimately resulted in significant charges, equivalent to the amount awarded.

The plaintiff brought the case forward after discovering the unauthorized use of his phone line, leading to financial losses he claimed were caused by the defendant’s actions.

Criminal Liability

During the court proceedings, the defendant was found criminally liable for stealing the plaintiff’s SIM card and using it without his knowledge.

The court emphasized that this unauthorized usage continued for up to four years, with the total charges amounting to Dh118,600.

The lengthy period of use and the significant financial impact were critical factors in the court’s decision to award the full compensation sought by the plaintiff.

Legal Proceedings

The plaintiff’s request to the court was not only for compensation but also for the recovery of any future charges that might arise on the affected phone number.

He urged the court to instruct the relevant telecommunications company to verify that the defendant was indeed in possession of and using the SIM card throughout the period in question.

Additionally, the plaintiff requested that the defendant be held responsible for legal expenses, court fees, and attorney’s costs related to the case.

The court, after reviewing the evidence presented, ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the defendant to pay the full amount of Dh118,600.

The court’s decision highlights the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the financial burden placed on the plaintiff as a result.

Impact on Legal Precedents

This case underscores the importance of privacy and the legal ramifications of misusing another person’s property, particularly in cases involving telecommunications.

The ruling reinforces the UAE’s strict regulations on cybercrime, theft, and unauthorized use of private information or assets, further emphasizing the legal consequences of such actions.

The ruling serves as a reminder to both employers and employees in the UAE to ensure that personal property, including SIM cards and phone lines, is properly managed and secured after any change in employment.

The case also highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring personal accounts and telecommunications services for unauthorized usage.

Next Steps

As the defendant faces the consequences of her actions, the case may set a precedent for future claims related to unauthorized use of telecommunications devices and services.

Legal experts note that this ruling may prompt others to take similar actions if they believe they have been victims of SIM card theft or unauthorized usage.

The defendant, as of now, has not made any public statements regarding the ruling or whether she intends to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that justice had been served in this case.