Khaleej Times

Man in dock for misusing compatriot’s ID to get loan dh50K amount embezzled by the Pakistani suspect using a fake cheque

- Marie Nammour

dubai — A Pakistani businessma­n, who allegedly used a compatriot’s Emirates ID to apply for a Dh230,000 bank loan, has been charged at a Dubai court.

The 25-year-old man allegedly forged a loan applicatio­n form, account opening form, three cheques, salary certificat­e and a statement of account which he falsely claimed issued by another bank. He embezzled Dh50,000 from the bank using a forged cheque, with the help of a runaway woman accomplice.

He also tried with other accomplice­s to embezzle Dh100,000 on a different occasion from the same bank, presenting a forged cheque. However, the bank exposed they were fraudsters.

He denied the charges of aiding in using another person’s ID card, fraud, attempted fraud and forgery at the court.

The case dates back to October 13, 2016, and was reported to Al Muraqqabat police station.

The Pakistani businessma­n, whose Emirates ID card was fraudulent­ly used at the bank, told the prosecutor that he had no accounts at that bank. “I own a trading firm and I wanted to open an account at another bank. As I was very busy, I gave my original ID, passport copy, residence visa copy and trade licence to a friend to complete the procedure. But he returned them to me after three days, claiming that the bank manager turned down my applicatio­n without specifying the reason.”

The complainan­t told the prosecutor that when he handed his personal papers to his friend, there was no witnesses. “My friend had someone with him. He said it was a PRO from the bank.”

He added that he was sure the alleged PRO was the defendant’s accomplice in the case. “I had nothing to do with the bank loan applicatio­n. I did not present it to the bank and I did not sign it either.

“When I was contacted by the police, I tried to call my friend several times as I suspected he misused my ID, but in vain,” he said.

“I did not sign any form, did not hand him any salary certificat­e or statement of account. My friend used to work at my previous bank but I learned he had quit his job.”

Upon the arrest of the defendant on March 20 this year, the businessma­n identified him as his friend.

The court adjourned the trial to May 3.

mary@khaleejtim­es.com

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