DUBAI // An Emirati is accused of accessing the Roads and Transport Authority’s electronic system and forging data for a driving licence for his American friend.
Prosecutors charged the 33-year-old, who worked at the RTA, with abusing his position and forging an official electronic document. The American, 28, is charged with stealing a driving licence belonging to another while he and a Syrian, 35, are charged with aiding and abetting.
All three denied charges at Dubai Criminal Court on Wednesday morning over the licence that was produced with the American’s photograph but someone else’s name.
“He called me and asked for my help then I obtained the licence from the Emirati defendant,” the Syrian told the court, at which point the American shouted out, telling the court that this was false.
“This is not true – I didn’t ask for his help and I have nothing to do with this case,” said the American, arguing that he had not received any licence from his co-accused.
The three told the court that they were arrested and had been held for more than 17 weeks.
Prosecutors said the incident happened between April 19 and May 18.
“We arrested the RTA employee and the Syrian suspect red-handed as they met and exchanged the licence,” said a 29-year-old Emirati policeman, adding that the pair confessed willingly, after which the American was arrested, but he denied any connection to the case.
The policeman said that the American had previously been deported from the country and it was not clear how he had returned.
The next hearing will be on October 30.
salamir@thenational.ae
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
