ABU DHABI // The "ringleader" of a gang accused of defrauding people out of millions of dirhams after claiming they were close to the Royal Family was sentenced to six years in prison by the Criminal Court yesterday. The defendants - two Emiratis, two Sudanese and one Jordanian - were charged with forgery and fraudulently obtaining Dh5.5 million. They told their victims they could use their connections with the Royal Family to obtain decrees of UAE citizenship.
Prosecutors said FM, an Emirati, led the scheme. MG, the second Emirati who worked at the office of a member of the Royal Family, was found guilty of co-operating in the fraud and accepting bribes. He was sentenced to four years in prison and fined Dh365,000. The other three defendants were sentenced to three years in prison. The defendants, prosecutors said, received the money in cheques, including one for Dh170,000 and another for about Dh500,000.
It is not known how many people were defrauded, officials said, but at least two Pakistani businessmen were targeted. UAE citizenship is granted only by decree. The defendants, according to court records, said they could use their connections to ensure their clients obstained citizenship. They used copies of old decrees, changing the names to match those of their victims. The five were arrested in a sting after the Organised Crime Unit at the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Division was tipped off early last month, prosecutors said.
Defence lawyers told the court in the previous hearing that the evidence against their clients was scant. "There is no evidence that my client told people he had any connection with the Royal Family," FM's lawyer said. "There are only claims from witnesses." The five appeared before the court twice and the verdict was issued eight days after the first hearing, on July 18, in which they denied the charges.
@Email:hhassan@thenational.ae
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
THE SPECS
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Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
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Price: Dh64,500
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Match info
Uefa Champions League Group C
Liverpool v Napoli, midnight
Brief scores:
Liverpool 3
Mane 24', Shaqiri 73', 80'
Manchester United 1
Lingard 33'
Man of the Match: Fabinho (Liverpool)
Racecard
6pm: Mina Hamriya – Handicap (TB) $75,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
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8.20pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (T) 2,810m
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The specs
The specs
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Torque: 230Nm
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Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
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Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.