Abu Dhabi: A federal public prosecution for information technology crimes has been established in Abu Dhabi through a ministerial resolution.

The court will be based in Abu Dhabi, and will specialise in investigating and dealing with internet-related crimes that have to do with breaching public morals, human trafficking, illegally promoting the sale of weapons, ammunitions or explosives, illegal collection of donations and inciting unlawfulness.

The court will also deal with cases pertaining to incitement to hold rallies or protests, insulting God, prophets, sanctities or rituals related to Islam, or the rituals of any religion protected under the provisions of Islamic Sharia. In addition to crimes related to promoting and selling drugs, or promoting drug usage methods, as well as hiding and transferring illegal funds, or trying to disguise the illegal origin or source of these funds, and the use or possession of these funds, and any other cybercrimes.

Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, said the setting up of this federal prosecution comes within the framework of facing advanced crimes and keeping abreast of the rapid technological advancements.

He said that it is a practical step as part of the UAE Public Prosecution’s strategy to monitor new criminal practices and responding to them in a constitutional and legal manner, thus curbing these crimes and their negative impact on the UAE community.

Al Shamsi hailed the quick response of the Minister of Justice, the Chairman and members of the Supreme Judicial Council in setting up the federal prosecution as per legal procedures. Al Shamsi said the setting up of the federal prosecution for cybercrimes complements the sustainable development strategy of the Ministry of Justice, and it would maximise the capabilities of the criminal justice system and protect the interests of the UAE and its residents by providing them with an effective judicial protection.