Businessman 'threatened to kill friend'

DUBAI // A businessman threatened to kill a friend who accused him of fraud, the Dubai Criminal Court heard today.

Prosecutors said that AM, a 34-year-old Iranian, made several calls to his compatriot MW, 34, in which he threatened to send people to ruin his life and kill him if he did not withdraw a complaint he filed to Sharjah Police.

"We had financial problems and I accused him of fraud - then he tried to solve the matter with me before threatening me over the phone," said MW.

The pair met at the friend's home in Oud Metha in October 2011 and the businessman asked him to alter his police complaint and say that a smaller amount of money had been embezzled than was really the case.

"When I refused he threatened me," said MW. Further threats were then made over the phone, according to prosecutors.

The businessman was not present in court and the case was adjourned to July 19 to summon him.

salamir@thenational.ae