Airport worker stole money ‘to pay for father’s life-saving operation’

DUBAI // A Dubai Duty Free employee accused of stealing money at work told a court that he had no choice but to steal because his father urgently needed life-saving surgery.

“I admit to this mistake but it’s my first mistake,” said the 32-year-old Moroccan, who was arrested as he tried to leave the country from Abu Dhabi airport.

“I haven’t done anything [illegal] all through my years at work.”

Prosecutors said that on April 1, the defendant collected the takings from his section at Dubai Duty Free, at Dubai airport, then went to the toilet where he pocketed Dh22,778 before handing the rest to the accountant.

“I only took the amount needed for my father’s surgery, and I wouldn’t have done it if it was not an emergency. This was the only thing I could do to get the money,” he said.

A Dubai airport security officer received a call from the accountant about the missing money.

“I checked the cameras and saw the defendant checking the profit then putting it in a bag and heading to the restroom,” said the Egyptian security officer.

Police arrested him at Abu Dhabi airport when he was trying to fly to Morocco, and recovered the money.

At Dubai Criminal Court yesterday he admitted to a charge of theft.

salamir@thenational.ae