Dubai police chief promises zero tolerance on corruption

Dubai: A top police official has called for the formation of prosecution departments specialised in investigating corruption and embezzlement cases across the country.

He pointed out that one of the reasons for corruption is people believing that they are above the law.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said during a press gathering with journalists that there should be harsher punishment for cases involving corruption and embezzlement of public fund so that it would be a lesson for others.

"Tougher legislations will help curb corruption and will empower loyalty and the feeling of belonging in the new generation so that the country will not turn into another form of a third world country where corruption is rampant," he said.

In the light of combating corruption, it should be no surprise that the corrupt person could be a friend, a relative, or a co-worker. This should not stop any person from reporting cases of corruption in the interest of the country, he said.

He said the fight against corruption must be at the state level, not only in certain emirates, pointing out that there are people — unfortunately — who are not afraid of the government or laws of the country.

"They defy the laws by taking advantage of their positions. It must be emphasised that no one is above the law and bringing them to justice is an evidence of transparency," he said.

According to Lieutenant General Tamim, certain individuals are misusing the bonus or commission system, stressing the ambiguity surrounding a case of bankruptcy where the CEO of the company earns millions as bonuses.

He stressed the importance of introducing a system under which new employees should declare their financial status by providing evidence of their income, expenses, assets and liabilities.

"The provision of financial disclosure is the only way to deter these people and find a way to hold them accountable," he said.

Employees' bonuses should not exceed 10 per cent of their salaries, he cautioned, adding that certain companies provide a bonus that is 20 times more than a person's salary.

In one particular case, he said a real estate employee received Dh200 million as a bonus.

"All developed countries have a controlling and monitoring system, and in case a person is convicted or is proven to have been involved in corruption or embezzlement; they are immediately referred for prosecution regardless of the amount or magnitude of their corruption," he said.

He added that the UAE is no less than these countries and a more rigorous stance should be taken against these persons.

He called on the public to openly disclose cases of corruption so that the community will be familiar of such incidents which will serve as a caution for whoever is intends to be involved in corruption.