Who Is Balvinder Singh Sahni? Indian Origin Billionaire Convicted Of Money Laundering In Dubai
The charges against Balvinder Sahi involve running shell companies and suspicious transactions, for which he will have to serve a jail sentence of five years.
Indian-origin billionaire Balvinder Singh Sahni faces deportation after he was recently convicted by a Dubai court for running a money laundering network.
The charges against Sahni involve running shell companies and suspicious transactions, for which he was sentenced to a five-year imprisonment and a fine of Dh 500,000 (Rs 1,14,89,750), last week.
Dubai’s Fourth Criminal Court has also ordered the confiscation of Dh 150 million (nearly Rs 345 crore), believed to be laundered funds, from the businessman before he is deported from the country for his financial crimes, according to Gulf News.
Who Is Balvinder Singh Sahni?
Popularly known as ‘Abu Sabah’, Sahni rose to social media fame in 2016 after buying the D5 car number plate for AED 33 million, which was then Dubai’s most expensive. According to a Forbes report, this decision was likely influenced by Sahini’s strong belief in astrology.
The 53-year-old businessman is a well-known name in Dubai's elite circles and is popular on social media for flexing his luxurious lifestyle. Besides Sahni, 33 other people were convicted in this case, including his son, a Gulf News report said.
Other convicts in the case have been sentenced to one-year jail terms and fines of Dh200,000 each.
Sahni, who ran a property management firm, oversaw operations in various countries such as the United States and India. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, he boasts a massive 3.3 million following on Instagram.
His Instagram bio states: "Founder and Owner of RSG Group of Companies."
According to GQIndia, the company was established in the 1970s. The website shows Sahni pictured next to the group's key infrastructure project, Burj Sabah. Additionally, four other high-profile projects are also listed on the website.
With 369 posts on the profile, Sahni can be seen photographed with prominent public figures, including high-profile politicians. In one notable photo, he appears with Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, showcasing his extensive network with the global business community.
According to his profile, Sahni has received several accolades, including an award from H.E. Lt. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police.
In January 2023, he was also featured on the cover of Tycoon Global Media and Magazine.
