Trader offers Dh900 bribe to public officer in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - The duo was referred to the RAK Criminal Court where they denied the charges.

Two Asian men, including a public officer, have stood trial at the Ras Al Khaimah Criminal Court on bribery charges.
As per court records, the case unfolded when the first defendant, a trader, offered a bribe of Dh900 to the second defendant, who works as a customs clearance staff with the Saqr Port in Ras Al Khaimah.
As per the sheet of indictment, the trader handed over the bribe to the second suspect to give him a clearance of two containers filled with scrap iron weighing 60 tonnes.
The trader wanted to ship his containers out of the country without paying due taxes or even inspection, the prosecutors added.
The duo was referred to the RAK Criminal Court where they denied the charges, while telling the court they did not have any intention of offering or accepting a bribe.
The first defendant claimed that the Dh900 he gave to the second accused was just a loan. "It was never ever a bribe," he pointed out.
He added that he has already made payment of over Dh50,000 against due taxes and charges. "So, what is the bribe for?" he asked.
The second defendant affirmed the same, adding that the Dh900 he collected from the trader was only a debt he would pay.
"I never requested or accepted a bribe," he underlined.
The court adjourned the case to March 25 to pronounce a verdict.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah