DUBAI // A traffic inspector was charged with taking bribes from six drivers who were using their cars as illegal taxis to not issue them fines.
Dubai Criminal Court heard that 55-year-old Roads and Transport Authority worker N T, who holds a Comoros Islands passport, had been seeking bribes of between Dh2,000 and Dh3,000 from the six drivers since last year.
Prosecutors said he also asked for mobile credit-recharge cards as bribes and took Dh14,000 in total.
Records show that in July last year the drivers contacted the inspector and asked to meet him.
“He said the men came to him at his house and told him they wanted to help him financially, then handed him Dh4,000 and asked that he turns a blind eye to their illegal taxi business,” said policeman O A, 29, who documented the defendant’s testimony.
The policeman said the drivers had also asked him to fine their rivals in the same area.
The six drivers, who were only identified in records by their first names, had been providing paid lifts to the public in Bur Dubai without obtaining the proper permits, records show.
The incident came to light after a driver reported the inspector to the RTA.
Policeman S A, 38, said a driver who was also offering paid lifts was given a fine.
“Some friends advised him to seek the help of N T in return for money, so he went to RTA instead and reported N T,” he said, adding that the driver was asked to arrange a meeting with N T and pay him so the authorities could catch him red-handed.
N T was arrested as he took the money.
In court, he denied a charge of seeking and accepting bribes. “This man owes me money and I went to meet him to take a part of the money he owns me,” the defendant said in court.
The next hearing will be in December.
salamir@thenational.ae