Nigerian gang on trial for forgery

ABU DHABI // Eleven Nigerians forged credit cards and entry permits as part of an operation to defraud people, the Court of Misdemeanours was told yesterday. Only two of the defendants were present in the Abu Dhabi court. Court officials said the others fled the country before they could be arrested. They are being tried in their absence. Prosecutors said the men worked as a gang and used electronic techniques to commit fraud.

The two defendants pleaded not guilty and asked for a copy of their file. They were denied bail. The amount of money involved in the alleged crime has not been disclosed. Details are expected to come to light next week when the men present their defence. It could not be confirmed yesterday whether the men also face a state security court case over the alleged forging of entry documents. If the men are convicted they will face a minimum six months in jail followed by deportation. They also may be fined depending on the amount of financial damage.

An international arrest warrant will be issued through Interpol for the missing defendants if they are convicted. Police recently launched a campaign against electronic fraud and warned people against scams, which predominantly originate from Nigeria. hhassan@thenational.ae myoussef@thenational.ae