Dubai tax worker jailed for stealing Dh70,000 of VAT refunds

A tax office worker who pocketed Dh70,000 worth of VAT refunds belonging to UAE tourists will spend six months in prison.

The Filipino employee, 34, filled in his own credit card details when completing applications filed by travellers using the tax rebate company, based at Dubai International Airport.

He carried out the spate of crimes between January and March of this year.

His fraudulent activities were uncovered in April when a company director noticed the same credit card number had been used on several applications.

He reviewed the company's accounts after a customer sent a letter to the firm complaining that he never received his refund.

“We discovered that the accused used two credit cards several times for different applications, both of which belonged to him,” said the director.

Since November 18 of last year, tourists leaving international airports have been able to claim VAT refunds on purchases made during their stay in the country.

The defendant was convicted of theft and forgery charges when he appeared before Dubai Criminal Court last month.

He was back before the court on Tuesday for sentencing.

The offender will be deported once he has served his jail term.