'Visitor offers bribe to avoid fine for running illegal taxi in Dubai'

Dubai - He offered Dh800 as bribe to two officials after one of his passengers told them that he would charge them Dh200 for a trip to Al Ain.

A man who tried to influence Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) inspectors to avoid fine for illegal carpooling has been charged with bribery in the Court of First Instance.
The Indian, 34, who is staying in the country on a visit visa, offered Dh800 as bribe to the two officials for not issuing him a ticket.
One of the inspectors testified that he and his colleague were conducting a routine patrol in Al Twar around 4.45pm on May 14 in Al Quisais, when they spotted the accused parking his car and then approaching three Bangladeshis.
"He gave them a ride but we stopped him after a few minutes. At first he claimed that they were his friends and was taking them to Al Ain for free."
However, one of the three passengers told the inspectors the driver would charge them Dh200 for the trip. When the inspector went back to his car to issue him the ticket, the accused followed him.
"I saw the accused putting Dh800 in front of my colleague through the car window and asking him to cancel the ticket."
The other inspector told the investigation that the car driven by the accused belonged to a rental office.
mary@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai