Abu Dhabi education official denies embezzling Dh430,000

An education council official embezzled more than Dh430,000 by contracting his private company to carry out maintenance, a court heard yesterday.

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ABU DHABI // An education council official embezzled more than Dh430,000 by contracting his private company to carry out maintenance, a court heard yesterday.

Emirati AZ, head of the youth and education department at Abu Dhabi Education Council, also stole items from the council's old premises and resupplied them to its new facility, and took tools home, prosecutors told the Criminal Court.Staff at his department complained to the Public Prosecution and handed over video evidence.

AN, an Australian who worked with the Emirati at Adec, was also accused of embezzlement. Both denied the charge.

The Emirati's lawyer, Asma Al Zaabi, asked for a long adjournment to prepare her defence. The judge said he would give her two weeks or the defendant could have his bail revoked and remain in custody until she was ready.

Sayed Abdul Baseer, chief justice of the court, asked the Australian if he wanted a lawyer.

"I do not have money to appoint a lawyer," he said.

"You do not have money but you have companies," the judge replied.

"I do not have money or companies," the Australian insisted.

The case was adjourned until January 28.