DUBAI // An Egyptian security guard was charged at the Criminal Court of First Instance yesterday with forging three Dubai Metro work visas. The defendant, MS, 30, is also accused of attempting to swindle a Bangladeshi waiter who knew people interested in vacancies at the light rail project. MS allegedly told him that the Metro was looking to hire security guards and that he could help him get them work permits.
MS is alleged to have taken Dh9,000 from the waiter and issuing a dud cheque for the same amount. According to the case file, on April 15, MS approached the waiter and informed him of job opportunities with Dubai Metro. The waiter, identified as MZ, told prosecutors that he told MS he had six candidates for the jobs. A few days later MZ said that he handed MS three passport copies and Dh9,000 to process the visas and, as security, he received a cheque for Dh9,000 from the Egyptian.
According to MZ, on June 13 the defendant gave him three visa documents that made him suspicious because they were worded only in Arabic. "I know for a fact that visa documents come in English and Arabic," he told prosecutors. He said the defendant dismissed his concerns and told him that four days later he would hand him the original copies. The waiter, though, took the documents to Dubai Metro offices and asked about their validity. He was told they were forgeries. According to prosecution records, the defendant then asked MZ to remain quiet about the affair.
The court will issue its verdict on December 20. amustafa@thenational.ae
