UAE | Crime
Abu Dhabi immigration official jailed for leaking data
An official of Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department has been sentenced to one year in jail for leaking a photograph and details of a fraud investor who allegedly conned Dh400 million from 2,500 victims, the Interior Ministry said.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:01 June 25, 2008
Abu Dhabi: An official of Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department has been sentenced to one year in jail for leaking a photograph and details of a fraud investor who allegedly conned Dh400 million from 2,500 victims, the Interior Ministry said.
"The 25-year-old UAE national, identified as A.S., was working as a data entry official at the department. Misusing his official powers, he opened the list of wanted criminals and captured the image of the page containing the fraud investor's photo and details," said Lieutenant Colonel Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Police Criminal Investigation Department.
The accused used his mobile phone camera for this and sent the image to his brother, who in turn circulated it among his colleagues, Al Sharifi said.
The official breached his job responsibilities by disclosing confidential official information and by failing to respect the privacy of others, Al Sharifi said in a statement issued by the ministry. "The accused owned up to his act when confronted by the authorities. His mobile was also confiscated."
The investor, a 36-year-old Emirati man of Syrian origin, identified as A.A.Q., was arrested in April for conning Dh400 million from more than 2,500 victims by promising high returns for investment. He cheated the victims in the name of a non-existent investment company, according to the police.
Lured into deal
Victims, including nationals and residents, were lured into the deal promising up to 30 per cent monthly returns for their investment.
Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, earlier warned that any abuses of administrative authority or any instances of corruption would be tackled without any leniency, regardless of the position of the accused.
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