UAE | Crime
Police foil attempt to export 240kg of dual-use metal
This case is one of the most important to be considered under this law, in line with the UAE's efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
- By Bassam Za' za, Senior Reporter
- Published: 22:55 March 12, 2008
Dubai: A man who mediated to sell a dual-use strategic commodity has been referred to court by the Dubai Public Prosecution.
Judge Esam Eisa Al Humaidan, Attorney General, said the National Security Department of Dubai Police foiled the attempt to exchange and export 240kg of zirconium, a metal used in the nuclear power industry. The metal was to be imported for agents in the UAE with the purpose of re-exporting it.
Al Humaidan told Gulf News the suspect was referred to court last week and a hearing will be held today. He said this is believed to be one of the very few cases of its kind, if not the first ever. "We have conducted thorough investigation in the case, to guarantee the complete and accurate implementation of the law," he said.
All procedures were done according the highest levels of accuracy, including ordering the arrest of the suspect, searching him, interrogating him and the other witnesses and the examination of the seized metal, he added.
Al Humaidan said thwarting this deal is a testimony to the tremendous efforts exerted by the UAE to keep the region free from weapons of mass destruction, and to preserve the reputation of the UAE as an international trade platform.
It is not against the law to sell double-use commodities, but specific and clear internationally accepted rules and standards must be followed to ensure that such commodities are not misused, he added.
The UAE issued Federal Law No. 12 for 2007 regarding the commodities that are subject to import and export control. This case is one of the most important to be considered under this law, in line with the UAE's efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
"We have conducted a thorough probe to guarantee the accurate implementation of the law, " said Eisa Al Humaidan Dubai Attorney General
Fast Facts
What is zirconium
Zirconium is a corrosion resistant metal that is used in high performance pumps and valves. Since it also does not easily absorb neutrons, zirconium is widely used in nuclear reactors. The nuclear power industry uses nearly 90% of the zirconium produced each year, which must be nearly free of hafnium. Zirconium is also used as an alloying agent in steel.
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