Civil Matters & Business Disputes

Bounced cheques, fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, mortgage defaults and general debt. The most common crime in the UAE. Radha Stirling is a renowned expert on financial crime in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), having spent over 15 years advocating for individuals who have been unfairly targeted by the country's legal system. As the founder of Detained in Dubai, she has provided critical legal support, crisis management, and advocacy for expatriates and business professionals who find themselves accused of financial crimes such as fraud, bounced checks, and embezzlement—often due to business disputes or government overreach. Her deep understanding of the UAE’s legal framework, combined with her network of legal experts and media connections, has made her one of the most effective voices in defending those ensnared in the region’s complex and sometimes opaque judicial system.

Over the years, Stirling has helped countless individuals who have been wrongfully detained or threatened with imprisonment in the UAE due to financial disputes. Many expatriates, entrepreneurs, and investors have sought her assistance after facing sudden travel bans, asset freezes, or criminal charges related to business dealings gone wrong. Her work has been instrumental in securing the release of individuals like British businessman Albert Douglas, who was imprisoned over disputed debts, and Billy Barclay, who was arrested over a bank check misunderstanding. Through media exposure and diplomatic pressure, Stirling has successfully overturned wrongful convictions and secured safe passage for many individuals facing unjust prosecution.

Beyond individual cases, Stirling has played a crucial role in highlighting systemic issues within the UAE’s financial crime laws, calling attention to the misuse of Interpol Red Notices and the ease with which business disputes can escalate into criminal charges. Her advocacy has influenced government policies, legal reforms, and international awareness of the risks associated with doing business in the UAE. By working with lawmakers, media outlets, and human rights organizations, she continues to expose corruption and protect foreign nationals from financial entrapment, ensuring that justice prevails for those caught in legal limbo.