Dubai Police warned social media users, influencers, and online sellers against promoting or selling counterfeit products online, saying violators could face legal consequences under UAE law.
The warning was issued by the Anti-Economic Crimes Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation amid rising cases involving counterfeit products being advertised through social media platforms.
Authorities said some individuals, particularly young people, mistakenly view selling fake luxury items online as a harmless side business or easy source of income.
Major Omar Hassan Nasser, Director of the Anti-Economic Crimes Department, said promoting counterfeit watches, perfumes, clothing, accessories, and other branded items violates intellectual property and trademark laws in the UAE.
According to Dubai Police, such activities breach Federal Law No. 36 of 2021, which protects trademark owners and prohibits the unlawful use or imitation of registered brands.
Authorities warned that fake commercial accounts often target young users and influencers by offering quick profits in exchange for promoting counterfeit products on personal social media accounts.
“Ignorance of the law does not exempt anyone from liability,” Major Omar said.
Dubai Police stressed that individuals may still face legal consequences even if they claim they were unaware the products were fake or illegally sourced.
Authorities also warned that illegal online trade damages reputations, misleads consumers, weakens trust among followers, and negatively affects the broader economy and regulated markets.
Police urged influencers, e-commerce sellers, and online business owners to verify suppliers carefully, avoid dealing with suspicious or unknown parties, and ensure products are supported by legal licenses and official invoices proving authenticity.
