Dubai Judicial Institute, UNODC Launch Forum on Electronic Financial Fraud

The Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the GCC, has launched the second edition of its Contemporary Legal and Judicial Challenges Forum, focusing on the growing threat of electronic financial fraud.

Held under the theme “Combating Electronic Financial Fraud,” the forum brought together judicial, legal, financial, banking and digital-sector stakeholders to examine emerging challenges and strengthen legal and judicial responses to cyber-enabled financial crime. The event was held on September 15, 2026.

Forum focuses on evolving cyber financial crime

The forum addressed the changing nature of electronic financial fraud and the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated digital methods.

Discussions covered the technical and legal complexities of cyber financial offences, international judicial cooperation, digital evidence and the UAE’s national framework for combating such crimes.

The event also provided a platform for exchanging judicial expertise, legal analysis, technical knowledge and international best practices aimed at strengthening responses to financial crimes in the digital environment.

AI and instant payments create new challenges

Judge Dr Hatem ALY, Head of Mission and Regional Representative of UNODC for the GCC Region, highlighted the rapid development of artificial intelligence, instant payment networks and cross-border prosecution as key challenges in tackling electronic financial fraud.

According to ALY, financial offences are increasingly being carried out through organised networks that exploit technologies and digital systems, including social engineering, cryptocurrencies and digital identity fraud.

He said cooperation between DJI and UNODC would help transfer knowledge and familiarise judicial, legal, financial, banking and digital institutions with regional and international methods for addressing these risks.

DJI calls for stronger digital evidence capabilities

Judge Dr Ebtessam Ali Al Badwawi, Director General of DJI, said combating cyber financial fraud requires a response extending beyond legislative frameworks.

She highlighted the need for stronger investigative and evidentiary tools, improved handling of digital evidence and greater international judicial cooperation, particularly in cases involving transnational crime.

Al Badwawi said the forum was designed to bring together judicial, legal, security, regulatory, financial and digital stakeholders with international experts to discuss practical responses to emerging threats.

Judicial and financial sectors examine legal responses

The forum included members of the judiciary, justice policymakers and representatives from financial, banking and digital institutions.

Sessions examined the legal dimensions of electronic financial fraud, challenges facing judicial authorities and financial institutions, and international experiences in addressing cyber-enabled financial offences.

The participation of local and federal judicial authorities, financial and digital-sector institutions and banks highlighted the need for coordination between the justice system, regulators and financial entities in responding to technology-driven financial crime.

Cross-border cooperation remains key

International judicial cooperation was a central theme of the discussions, particularly given the cross-border nature of many electronic financial offences.

UNODC’s role in supporting international cooperation against transnational organised crime and cybercrime was also highlighted during the forum. The discussions focused on strengthening the ability of legal and judicial systems to respond when digital financial crimes involve multiple jurisdictions.

Building a future-ready legal system

DJI said the second edition of the forum forms part of its efforts to strengthen specialised legal and judicial knowledge and support closer cooperation with international organisations.

The institute said such initiatives are intended to help develop an agile justice system capable of responding to rapidly changing digital threats while supporting Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen specialised legal and judicial development.