Fine collectors embezzle public funds worth over $19,000 in UAE

UAE - The Public Funds Prosecution in Dubai Public Prosecution referred two Arabs, former employees of a national bank, to the criminal court, on charges of abusing their posts and misappropriating Dh69, 384 worth of funds.

Counselor Salem Ahmed bin Khadem, senior chief prosecutor at Public Funds Prosecution, said that the first accused, worked as a collector in the bank, and his duties included receiving cash fines collected from the passengers (departing from the Dubai International Airport) for the government entity. The accused abused his post and misappropriated an amount of Dh41,164 and left the country, thus, causing damages to the company wherein he was working.

The second accused was working as a collector in the payments section of the same bank in the airport branch. His job also consisted of receiving cash fines collected from the departing passengers for the government entity. He abused his office and misappropriated an amount up to Dh28,220.

Counselor bin Khadem added that the accused also harmed the government entity's interests.

The public prosecution referred the two accused to the criminal court as they committed a felony offence. Being public servants, the two accused misappropriated funds of a public entity, intentionally harmed the interests of the entity where they worked, punishable as per the Federal Penal Law and its amendments.

He pointed out that public prosecution asked the court to award the duo strict penalties so it is a deterrent for others.