DUBAI // A chauffeur is still at large after running off with Dh2.2 million worth of his employer’s gold bullion.
Pakistani A A, 46, stole 105 gold bars from his Afghani employer’s safe on June 2 this year, Dubai Criminal Court has found.
Businessman S S, 30, testified that on the morning of the theft he called his driver to pick him up from his home but found his mobile turned off.
“I called my cook, who is A A’s roommate, and asked him about A A,” he said.
“He told me the driver had taken a large plastic bag and left to meet a friend, and said to the cook that he would return after Al Dhuhr prayers.
“At 9pm the same day I called and no answer.
“I called the cook who said that A A had not returned, so I felt suspicious and upon checking my safe I found the gold I had was missing as well as A A’s passport. Then I knew he stole them.”
The employer reported the incident to police who, two days later, arrested two Pakistanis connected to the driver.
They led police to a building site where they had buried 60 gold bars given to them by the defendant before he fled the country.
One of the men told police he was related to A A.
“When we questioned him, he said that this was all the gold he received from A A, who was his relative,” said Omani policeman M A, 42.
“He said A A asked him to hide the gold and promised to help him get a driving licence in return.”
A A was charged with theft and sentenced in his absence to two years in prison, followed by deportation.
His accomplices denied hiding stolen valuable items but were convicted and each sentenced to three months in jail.
salamir@thenational.ae