25 Arrested in UAE Over Fake Videos and Pro-Iran Propaganda

DUBAI, Mar 15: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 25 individuals of various nationalities on charges of spreading misleading digital content, harming national security, and promoting narratives supporting Iran during the ongoing regional tensions. The arrests were ordered by Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi following investigations by the public prosecution.

Group publishing authentic footage of attacks and their impact

According to officials, the suspects were divided into three groups involved in different activities. The first group circulated authentic video clips showing missiles passing through UAE airspace or being intercepted, as well as footage of crowds gathering to watch such incidents. Authorities said the clips were edited with commentary and sound effects suggesting active attacks, which could incite public anxiety, aid hostile propaganda accounts, and risk exposing defence capabilities and interception patterns. This group included 12 men and women from India, Nepal, Egypt, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Group publishing fabricated content via artificial intelligence

A second group was accused of publishing fabricated videos generated using artificial intelligence or reposting footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming they occurred within the country. Investigators said these videos depicted explosions, fires, and missiles landing in different emirates, often accompanied by national flags, emirate names, or timestamps to make them appear credible. Seven men from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were arrested in connection with these activities.

Group promoting a hostile state and glorifying its leadership

The third group allegedly promoted a hostile state and glorified its political and military leadership by sharing content praising missile attacks and portraying them as “military achievements.” Officials said the posts supported hostile media narratives and undermined national interests. Six men from India and Pakistan were detained as part of this group.

Al Shamsi ordered all defendants to be referred to an urgent trial, with the UAE Public Prosecution placing them in custody pending further investigation. He warned that exploiting cyberspace to circulate misleading content that harms public security or compromises national defence, particularly during periods of military tension, constitutes a serious criminal offence and will be met with strict legal action.