A Dubai resident accused of $5.5 million fraud by a Russian bank has appealed against his extradition request.
The Kyrgyzstani citizen, 33, a former employee of the bank, told Dubai Cessation Court that he fears for his life if he is sent back to Russia.
“I came to the UAE in 2013. I’m afraid I will get killed in Russia if I am sent back,” he said in court.
The man was arrested in Dubai in November 2017 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by Interpol.
He is wanted over 95 fraud offences committed from 2008 to 2011.
The appeals court rejected the extradition request but it was challenged by the emirate’s public prosecutors.
The case was moved to the cassation court in December 2019 and the court ordered a new panel of appeal judges to rehear the case.
A verdict was then issued approving the man’s extradition but he appealed again in the court of cassation to block the request.
Lawyer Awatif Mohammed from Al Rowaad Advocates, who represents the man, argued in court that the extradition request did not meet one of the conditions of the extradition treaty between the UAE and Russia.
“The Russian law must be attached to the case file and must also include articles about lapse of time, otherwise it’s a violation of one of the conditions of the extradition treaty,” she said.
Ms Mohammed said the amount of time lapsed in this case should disqualify the extradition request. The frauds happened in 2010 and Russian courts sentenced the suspect to two months in prison in his absence at the time.
The Kyrgyzstaniman is accused of belonging to a group that defrauded the Russian bank by granting loans to people who had not undergone background checks and using fake documents to do so.
The man denied charges in court. A verdict will be passed later this month.
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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Team X 1 Team Y 0
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Rating: 1/5
Manchester United v Club America
When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Marital status: Single
Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran
Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food
Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish
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Date started: 2014
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Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
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3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
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Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
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The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
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If you go
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The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
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Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
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Favourite colour: Blue
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