Man uses friend's Emirates ID to get Dh230,000 bank loan in Dubai

Dubai - He also tried with other accomplices to embezzle Dh100,000 on a different occasion from the same bank.

A Pakistani businessman, who allegedly used a compatriot's Emirates ID to apply for a Dh230,000 bank loan, has been charged at a Dubai court.
The 25-year-old man allegedly forged a loan application form, account opening form, three cheques, salary certificate and a statement of account which he falsely claimed to be issued by another bank. He embezzled Dh50,000 from the bank using a forged cheque, with the help of a runaway woman accomplice.
He also tried with other accomplices to embezzle Dh100,000 on a different occasion from the same bank, presenting a forged cheque. However, the bank exposed they were fraudsters.
He denied the charges of aiding in using another person's ID card, fraud, attempted fraud and forgery at the court.
The case dates back to October 13, 2016, and was reported to Al Muraqqabat police station.
The Pakistani businessman, whose Emirates ID card was fraudulently used at the bank, told the prosecutor that he had no accounts at that bank. "I own a trading firm and I wanted to open an account at another bank. As I was very busy, I gave my original ID, passport copy, residence visa copy and trade licence to a friend to complete the procedure. But he returned them to me after three days, claiming that the bank manager turned down my application without specifying the reason."
The complainant told the prosecutor that when he handed his personal papers to his friend, there were no witnesses. "My friend had someone with him. He said it was a PRO from the bank."
He added that he was sure the alleged PRO was the defendant's accomplice in the case. "I had nothing to do with the bank loan application. I did not present it to the bank and I did not sign it either.
"When I was contacted by the police, I tried to call my friend several times as I suspected he misused my ID, but in vain," he said.
"I did not sign any form, did not hand him any salary certificate or statement of account. My friend used to work at my previous bank but I learned he had quit his job."
Upon the arrest of the defendant on March 20 this year, the businessman identified him as his friend.
The court adjourned the trial to May 3.
mary@khaleejtimes.com