Airline service worker accused of stealing luggage

DUBAI // An Emirates Airline employee assigned to help solve passengers' problems allegedly helped himself to their luggage, a Dubai court heard this morning.

The defendant, AB, a 43-year-old Moroccan, worked for the airline at the Terminal 3 departures building.

He denied the charges before the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance.

AH, a manager at the airline, told prosecutors that the defendant was responsible for attending to passengers' problems and helping solve them.

He said in his testimony in court records that the defendant was also responsible for helping baggage movers tag the luggage that was left behind, and then storing it in the found-items section before informing police.

AN, 33, a Dubai Police corporal at the Dubai International Airport, said police received a tip about the defendant, and placed him under close observation, according to court records.

He said police received information that the defendant stressed to passengers who were carrying excess baggage weight that they should leave their luggage behind or pay extra fees, records show. The police corporal added that the defendant deliberately encouraged travellers to leave some of their bags behind if they were over the weight limit.

On the day of the incident alleged in court records, AB is said to have asked the movers to carry the luggage left by some passengers and send it to his car, AN told prosecutors.

The next hearing will be on May 12 to hear from witnesses.

salamir@thenational.ae