3 arrested for defamatory video on social media

dubai — Three African nationals have been arrested for making a video of an African-American businessman driving his luxury car and using it to defame him. They also alleged that the trader was carrying out fraud operations after posting the video on social media.

The trio befriended the businessman and engaged him in friendly conversations. They made videos of his activities and also took photographs of him next to his luxury car. They posted the video on the social media, claiming that the trader was leading an extravagant life by defrauding people, and urged the authorities to arrest him.

The trader was upset after seeing the video and filed a complaint with Al Rafa police station, said Brigadier Ahmed bin Ghalaita, director of Al Rafa police station. The police teams swung into action and arrested the accused. They told the cops that they wanted to expose the businessman as he was involved in a number of scams. They made the video to alert the people about his activities, they said.

The police probed the case and found no proof against the businessman. The investigation revealed that the three Africans who made the video had violated privacy of the trader.

The defendants were referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution on charges of defamation and violating the privacy of others.

Brig Ghalaita said that the laws of the UAE criminalise such acts, and no one has the right to film or photograph another person without his consent, or to broadcast the images and videos without his knowledge and consent.

amira@khaleejtimes.com