DUBAI // A traffic police officer has denied demanding a Dh8,000 (US$2,200) bribe to cancel a fine.
The Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance heard yesterday that the 25-year-old officer from the Qusais police station had told a 38-year-old Indian driver that he could get his Dh15,000 fine quashed if he paid him Dh8,000.
In May, the driver contacted investigators to report that he was being threatened by a Dubai police officer. He claimed the officer had said that he would suffer repercussions if he did not pay the Dh8,000.
According to a report submitted to the court by the prosecutor's office, the defendant, MA, was asked by an acquaintance to help a driver who had been ticketed by Dubai Police for driving a bus with more passengers in it than permitted.
MA prevented the ticket being entered into the police system by telling another officer that the bus belonged to a high-ranking Dubai Police official, according to the report.
MA then took the driving licence and vehicle registration papers that had been confiscated from the driver and returned them to him. The driver said he met the defendant at a Dubai petrol station, where he was given back his documents.
MA then allegedly asked for Dh8,000, telling the bus driver that had he not interceded, the driver would have had to pay the Dh15,000 fine and that his vehicle would have been impounded. The driver, according to the prosecutor's report, refused to pay, stating that he thought the officer was just helping him out.
MA allegedly told him that, "No one helps anyone for free." Angered, the bus driver got out of the policeman's car and walked off.
MA is also accused of calling the bus driver several times and threatening to create problems for him if he did not pay.
The driver contacted the Criminal Investigations Division of Dubai Police who provided him with Dh5,000 in cash and a Dh3,000 cheque to give to the defendant. When MA met the driver to receive the payment, he was was arrested, the court heard. MA will return to court on August 11.
ealghalib@thenational.ae
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Director: Nayla Al Khaja
Starring: Jefferson Hall, Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed, Saud Alzarooni
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Results:
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7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott
The specs
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Top tips to avoid cyber fraud
Microsoft’s ‘hacker-in-chief’ David Weston, creator of the tech company’s Windows Red Team, advises simple steps to help people avoid falling victim to cyber fraud:
1. Always get the latest operating system on your smartphone or desktop, as it will have the latest innovations. An outdated OS can erode away all investments made in securing your device or system.
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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