‘Mafia gangster’ threatened to rape business partner’s wife, court told

DUBAI // Two Armenians who claimed to be with the Russian mafia threatened to kidnap a businessman's son and have his wife raped, a court has heard.

One of the Armenians called the Syrian businessman and told him: “You will kiss my shoes. I will kill you and send you to Syria in a body bag.”

The Syrian told police he had been in a business partnership with one of the Armenians, and had paid Dh14,210 to renew their business licence.

The threats began when he asked for repayment and the Armenian refused to answer his phone, he said.

One of the Armenians sent him a text message threatening to kidnap his son and have his wife raped, and the other called him from Russia and said he was a mafia gangster and could have him killed at any time.

The businessman alleged that one day when he left work his car was chased by two vehicles driven by the Armenians, one of whom lowered his window and threw a water bottle at him.

“They chased me for 20 minutes and swerved in front of me repeatedly,” he said.

The Syrian’s brother told police he heard one of the Armenians threatening to stab the businessman.

Only one of the Armenians was present in court. He denied threatening to kill and endangering the life of the businessman and his family.

The case was adjourned until February 27.