Smuggler found with forged visas in Dubai charged with bribery

A smuggler from an Asian country, tried to pay off Dubai customs officials at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport after he was found to be carrying forged EU schengen entry visas.

A man detained at Dubai airport on suspicion of smuggling has also been charged with bribery after customs officers said he offered them cash to let him go.

The Asian man was stopped at Terminal 3 and officials said his bag contained forged documents, including EU Schengen and Cuba entry visas.

Ali Maqhawi, a customs inspector, said he noticed the man seemed anxious and confused.

He scanned the man’s bags, which appeared to contain “strange objects”. Mr Maqhawi said he opened one of the bags and found forged stamps bearing official EU emblems.

He said the man then offered him foreign currency not to report him. Mr Maqhawi said he refused and told a superior.

The man was then charged with smuggling and bribery. Mr Maqhawi said the accused tried to bribe him again, along with his superior. They contacted the police and the case has been referred to the public prosecution. A court date has yet to be set.

Mr Maqhawi said: “The ethics of the profession and country loving is the foundation upon which the inspector’s personality relies.

"Dubai Customs does not just rely on training inspectors in business skills, inspection methods and detecting prohibitions, it also works on developing and enhancing the spirit of loyalty, belonging and job ethics that are helpful for them to perform their duties successfully."

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