Ex-Nakheel executive finally leaves UAE after five years of detention

Marcus Lee who was acquitted of a Dh44 million fraud case was earlier refused permission to leave the UAE.

An Australian businessman who had been detained in the UAE for five years on fraud allegations has finally been allowed to fly home.

Marcus Lee, a former Nakheel executive cleared of charges in a Dh44 million fraud case, was yesterday allowed to board a plane back to Sydney – 48 hours after being refused permission to leave the UAE for not having the correct paperwork.

His lawyer, John Sneddon, said his client and his wife had cleared Customs at Dubai Airport at 10am.

“They are understandably incredibly relieved and happy to be going home,” he said.