Expat fined Dh5,000, to be deported for fundraising

dubai — A British expat faces a Dh5,000 fine and deportation after being found guilty of violating the UAE’s rules on charity fundraising.

In late December, last year, the expat was reported to the police by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, and prosecutors said that she had raised funds through her website, which was dedicated to volunteer work. Specifically, she was charged with using the website to raise funds for a pair of young children suffering from a liver condition.

In late June, she was found not guilty of the charges, but on Sunday prosecutors successfully appealed the verdict and ordered that she be fined and deported. In an interview

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with Khaleej Times, however, the accused still denied any wrongdoing.

“I’ve never raised funds online. It never happened,” she said. “I’ve always been abreast of the law. When it became illegal for people to ask for things, I literally closed down every project I’ve ever had that was not in compliance.”

The issue, she alleges, stems from a translation error.

“I didn’t say ‘donate’, I said ‘subscribe’,” she said. “It’s incorrect, the way the post has been translated in court. It was just heartfelt volunteer work ... and one accusation has ruined everything.”

She added that at the moment she probably wouldn’t consider appealing the verdict.

“I’ve got 30 days to appeal, but I think it’s a massive waste of money,” she added. “I’m happy to leave, but I’ve got rescue dogs and have to be responsible for them.”

“I’ve dedicated nine years of my life to helping the community in Dubai, and now I’ve lost my life, my health,” she added. “I’m trying to adopt a child, but now I will have a federal crime following me for the rest of my life. I don’t want to cause trouble. I’ve just tried help people.”

bernd@khaleejtimes.com