A sacked taxi driver in Dubai earned nearly Dh21,000 in two months after borrowing a car from a Road and Transport Authority (RTA) cabbie and using it for his personal gain, Dubai Criminal Court heard.
On March 17 last year, the man was caught driving the taxi recklessly while under the influence of alcohol.
"An RTA inspector on the Airport Road spotted him driving dangerously while holding an alcohol bottle and playing loud music," said an RTA investigator.
“When he was stopped and asked for his work ID, he presented one that belonged to his friend.”
Officials found out that the man had worked as a driver for RTA, but was sacked in July 2018.
The 24-year-old Pakistani admitted to driving the taxi for personal gain for two months and earning nearly Dh21,000 ($5,717).
He was charged with using an RTA driver’s ID that did not belong to him and using the taxi illegally.
“He said his friend allowed him to drive the taxi to make some money that would help him solve his financial problems after he was sacked,” said the investigator.
Its meter, cameras and GPS system had been disconnected by the man to avoid being located when using the car.
The taxi driver who lent the man the cab, a 29-year-old, also from Pakistan, admitted charges of abusing his position and causing damage to RTA by allowing his friend use the car.
The next hearing is on March 30.
UAE police supercars - in pictures
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Dubai Police have recently acquired a Toyota Supra to add to their supercar fleet. Courtesy: Dubai Police -
In 2015, Abu Dhabi Police displayed a liveried Lykan HyperSport by Dubai-based car maker W Motors. Security Media -
From left, a Porsche Panamera, BMW i8 hybrid sports car and a Brabus 700, all in the Dubai Police colours, pictured in 2015. Dubai Police -
A few million dirhams of Dubai Police metal outside the Dubai International Motor Show in 2017: from left, a Nissan GT-R, an Audi R8, a Bentley Continental GT and a BMW i8. Satish Kumar for The National -
A Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG on the Dubai Police fleet in 2015. WSF Creative -
Dubai Police's Brabus 700, which is a Mercedes-Benz G 63 modified by German company Brabus. WSF Creative -
The Bugatti Veyron, once the fastest production car in the world, has been one of the most expensive cars in Dubai Police's collection. EPA -
An Aston Martin One-77, one of a limited edition of 77 cars, in Dubai Police livery at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in 2013. Sarah Dea / The National -
A fleet of Dubai Police supercars led the way during the fourth stage of the Dubai Tour cycling race in 2014. Christopher Pike / The National -
Dubai Police's Brabus 700 was unveiled at the Dubai International Motor Show in 2013. Pawan Singh / The National -
A Lamborghini Aventador in Dubai Police colours. Dubai Police -
A Bentley Continental GT from Dubai Police's fleet at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in 2013. AFP -
The Lamborghini Aventador is capable of speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour. Dubai Police -
The BMW i8, which is a hybrid vehicle, adds an environmental edge to Dubai Police's glittering fleet. Dubai Police -
Two new Audi R8s, centre, were added to the Dubai Police roster in 2016. Grayling -
A McLaren MP4-12C was given the green-and-white treatment in 2013. Dubai Police -
Dubai Police's Ghiath, aka the 'Beast Patrol', fights crime by using AI systems with facialrecognition technology. Victor Besa / The National -
Dubai Ambulance's Ford Mustang. Courtesy: Aletihad -
The Rolls-Royce Wraith is the most luxurious of Dubai Police's fleet. Courtesy: Dubai Police -
The Ministry of Interior's Lamborghini Aventador. Lamborghini -
Dubai Police officers set to take to the road in a new fleet of Renault Zoe cars. -
Eight Chevolet Bolt EV cars are now being used by Dubai Police. Courtesy: Chevrolet -
One of Dubai Police's new Peugeot electric cars that will be stationed at Dubai Airports. Dubai Media Office
