ABU DHABI // Seven men have been accused of trying to pull off the country's "largest monetary scheme" by attempting to withdraw 7.2 billion euros (Dh38bn) from a Central Bank account. All seven men pleaded not guilty yesterday at the Criminal Court of First Instance. According to prosecutors, two Germans and a Belgian, who said they were working on a concept for a five-star hospital here, claimed they were approached by four Iranians in Germany with a "legitimate business deal" to help finance the project.
The Iranians allegedly convinced the men they could withdraw the money from another Iranian's account at the Central Bank and transfer it to a bank in Frankfurt, Germany. On December 21, the Europeans entered the bank on Bainunah Street and allegedly presented forged documents authorising them to withdraw the money. All seven men were charged with forging documents, swindling and fraud. If convicted, they face a maximum of 10 years in jail. Court officials said it was the largest financial scheme ever prosecuted in the UAE.
The case was postponed until February 7, to allow time for the defence to prepare its case. A Central Bank official is also scheduled to testify at the hearing. myoussef@thenational.ae
