The man at the heart of a multi-million dollar corruption case in Jordan is a virtual unknown and that's making people suspicious.
Weeks ago, Jordanian officials announced the arrest of 30 people over a counterfeit cigarette production and smuggling scheme that involved an estimated $100 million (Dh367.3m) in annual lost tax and customs revenue.
At the heart of the case was a businessman, Awni Mutee, who was able to flee the kingdom the day before the raid on his factories. There is almost nothing publicly known about Mr Mutee, who unlike many Jordanian businessmen is not known to come from a prominent family or a powerful tribe. No one has come forward in local media to offer information on what kind of businesses he ran, or even that they knew him as a neighbour.
Which leaves many Jordanians suspecting he was merely a front man or full guy for shadowy business elites in the country, despite officials on Tuesday issuing a red notice through Interpol for his arrest and extradition. The government’s forwarding of the cigarettes case to the country’s State Security Court, a mixed military-civil tribunal which conducts some of its proceedings behind closed doors, and local news reports on Wednesday claiming Mr Mutee’s presence in Lebanon is “not confirmed,” has done little to diminish suspicions.
From fruit sellers to imams and government clerks, one word is on the lips of Jordanians — corruption.
While officials are vowing to prosecute the cigarette case thoroughly and use it as a springboard for a wider anti-corruption drive, there's a perception among ordinary Jordanians that the elite are not playing by the same rules.
As the new government looks to make some tough economic decisions, it also needs to rebuild public trust. As such, battling corruption — real and perceived — has taken centre-stage.
And the main source of pressure in the clean-up campaign is the monarch.
"Combating corruption remains, as we have said before, the main priority for this government, for me, for all our institutions in the country," King Abdullah told the Cabinet in an address on Sunday.
"The message to the people is: we want to break the back of corruption in the country. It's enough… we want to move forward." No one was above the law, he said.
Prime Minister Omar Al Razzaz was quick to reiterate that the government was following the king’s directives, saying that this time there was political will. Less than two months ago, his predecessor resigned following nationwide protests at the state of the economy.
“There is no impunity for the corrupt,” Mr Al Razzaz wrote in posts on Facebook and Twitter on Tuesday. “This time, [by] insisting on tackling corruption, the political will is crucial to uprooting it and holding the corrupt accountable."
Mr Al Razzaz has a tall task before him in winning over a deeply sceptical public.
While Jordanians are eager to see the cigarettes case followed through and millions of dollars returned to the state, nearly all doubt whether any “big names” — elite businessmen and officials — will end up behind bars. All say this case is just the “tip of the iceberg”.
“In Jordan, the poor people, the working class, we are the only ones that follow the law, pay fines, pay taxes and pay customs,” said Omar Ibrahim, a 26-year-old fruit seller in a crowded central Amman market.
“But the big bosses, the masterminds, they play by a different set of rules, and they never get mentioned and they are never held accountable.”
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Recent history gives Jordanians plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about the chances of change.
The most high-profile corruption case to be brought to light in recent years involved the embezzlement of more than $40 million (Dh146.9m) from the Jordan Phosphates Mines Company. However, the man convicted – Walid Kurdi, former chief executive and husband of King Abdullah’s paternal aunt – fled Jordan and has never served jail time.
In 2013, an Amman criminal court sentenced Kurdi to 37 years in prison and fined him JD253 million (Dh1.3 billion) in his absence. Today Kurdi is living in the UK despite an extradition request filed with Interpol by Amman.
The only major figure serving time for corruption is Mohammed Dahabi, a former intelligence chief handed a 13-year prison sentence in 2012 for the embezzlement of $34m (Dh124.9m). Yet many insist the “selective” arrest of Dahabi was politically motivated and used to settle a score between power brokers.
Meanwhile, social media channels are afire with other names and alleged corrupt practices people say they want exposed, implicating officials ranging from ministers to mayors.
“His majesty is working hard and doing the right things … yet we have seen in previous cases such as the phosphates case, in the end, no one was held accountable and the public does not even know the whereabouts of the accused,” says Rania Bader, spokesperson for NGO Rasheed (Transparency International-Jordan).
“I think the public trust isn’t there yet,” Ms Bader said. “The government must take concrete actions and steps to pinpoint the sources of corruption in a transparent manner for the public.”
The issue of corruption has come back into the spotlight at a critical time in Jordan. With the country facing a JD523 million (Dh2.7 billion) deficit and a debt-to-GDP ratio hovering above 90 per cent, the government will have to reconsider an unpopular income tax and assess government hiring to cut debt and continue an IMF loan programme.
In a public-opinion poll by the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan in July, subjects identified corruption as the second leading reason behind Jordan’s economic woes, right behind rising prices and the cost of living.
According to an Arab Barometer survey conducted in 2016, 79 per cent of Jordanians believe there is corruption within state institutions and agencies to a medium or large extent.
During economic protests that shook Jordan in June, demonstrators repeated a common refrain: crackdown on corruption first before raising our taxes.
“There is a gap between what the king said in his statements and what happens on the ground,” says Hassan Barari, professor of political science at the University of Jordan. “It seems that while the king is saying something that rings nicely in the ears of people, his agencies — whether it be the judicial system, government, or parliament — are not doing anything when it comes to corruption.”
Rather than just a few high-profile cases, Transparency International and others are calling for the government to undertake deeper reforms; to ensure external audits, improve public sector management, transparency in political financing and assets declarations for officials and politicians, legislative oversight, and even public hearings on draft laws.
Yet perhaps even the most critical step for Jordan to eliminate corruption, they say, is financial and public sector procurement reform to transparently show how government contracts are awarded, to whom and who benefits.
Until those steps are taken, the public resentment will likely continue.
“The networks of officials, of businessmen and fat cats is wider than the government would have you believe. The cigarettes case is a drop in the ocean,” says Mohammed Suleiman, an Amman taxi driver.
“We don’t want to see drops, we want the whole ocean drained.”
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
RESULT
Norway 1 Spain 1
Norway: King (90 4')
Spain: Niguez (47')
More on Quran memorisation:
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Brave CF 27 fight card
Welterweight:
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (champion, FRA) v Jarrah Al Selawe (JOR)
Lightweight:
Anas Siraj Mounir (TUN) v Alex Martinez (CAN)
Welterweight:
Mzwandile Hlongwa (RSA) v Khamzat Chimaev (SWE)
Middleweight:
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Rustam Chsiev (RUS)
Mohammad Fakhreddine (LEB) v Christofer Silva (BRA)
Super lightweight:
Alex Nacfur (BRA) v Dwight Brooks (USA)
Bantamweight:
Jalal Al Daaja (JOR) v Tariq Ismail (CAN)
Chris Corton (PHI) v Zia Mashwani (PAK)
Featherweight:
Sulaiman (KUW) v Abdullatip (RUS)
Super lightweight:
Flavio Serafin (BRA) v Mohammad Al Katib (JOR)
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
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The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Friday’s fixture
6.15pm: Al Wahda v Hatta
6.15pm: Al Dhafra v Ajman
9pm: Al Wasl v Baniyas
9pm: Fujairah v Sharjah
.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg:
Juventus 1 Ajax 2
Ajax advance 3-2 on aggregate
