DUBAI // The leader of an airport customer service team stole a necklace and a pencil while on duty, Dubai Criminal Court heard on Thursday.
The 39-year-old Egyptian is charged with theft from a crew member of a Chinese airline at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1, which he denied.
Prosecutors said the stolen items are worth Dh607 and on April 9 the crew member reported the theft and an investigation led to the Egyptian.
“The Chinese 32-year-old victim told us that he bought the items from duty free and forgot the bag at the gate before boarding,” said a policeman, 30.
CCTV cameras showed the defendant, who was helping the victim board passengers, open the bag before putting the receipt in one pocket and the items in the other.
The defendant was then arrested and allegedly admitted to police that he took the items to give to his wife as a gift because she was in hospital in Egypt, where he was due to fly in the coming days.
Witnesses said the defendant had been working at the airport for more than 10 years and is known to be a decent man.
A verdict is expected on June 20.
salamir@thenational.ae
