Dubai expat arrested after throwing money in streets for online fame

Not everyone draws a line between reason and insanity, especially when it comes to social media followers and how to be popular virtually. 

One Dubai-based Asian expat gave us the greatest example by getting himself arrested over posting a "distasteful" video in which he's seen throwing money in the streets of the emirate. The defendant, who's in his 30s, sent out the video in a bid to gain more followers online. 

His attempt surely backfired as many people, including authorities, called his act "uncivilized and inappropriate," ultimately leading to the man's arrest and the deletion of his video. 

In a statement on the matter, Colonel Faisal Al Qassim, director of the Dubai Police security media department, confirmed the defendant's detainment.

"The man was arrested after he was identified by the Cyber-Crime Department at Dubai Police. He admitted of throwing the money to get more likes and followers and to become a celebrity on social media," he explained

In light of this incident, Al Qasim urged online users in the UAE to follow the country's laws and traditions to avoid such trouble.

"People should know the law. Ignorance of the law it [sic] is not an excuse. Article 29 from the cyber-crime law states that people who publish news or rumors in purpose of mocking or damaging the country's reputation shall be punished with jail and fine up to Dh1 million," he added, according to Gulf News. 

The UAE implements strict cybercrime laws that target all online content including posts, videos, and images. 

Earlier this year, the country's Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched a comprehensive UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims "to establish a safe and resilient cyber infrastructure in the country."

As part of the strategy, the TRA brought forth sweeping changes to cybersecurity laws and regulations in the country to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Among the key pillars of the strategy is the framing of cybersecurity laws and regulations. 

The country's laws prohibit a number of cyber activities, such as extortion through online means, credit card theft and fraud, hacking, and phishing. 

TRA has also notably set guidelines for website owners and internet users, prohibiting the latter from displaying any content "that offends against, is objectionable to, or is contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, public and national security, Islam morality or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law, regulation, procedure, order or requirement."

The Asian man's video falls under the public order/public morality articles, which might lead him to face trial on related charges.