Asian passenger attempts to smuggle forged stamps and entry visas to EU and Latin countries

In a case that reflects country loving and belonging irrespective of whatsoever temptations, two inspectors from Dubai Customs operating at Dubai International Airport declined a financial bribe offered by a passenger following the seizure of various forged documents that he attempted to smuggle inside his bags while arranging in the country, included stamps bearing EU emblem and some of its countries, stickers and entry visas to a number of countries.

Mr. Ali Maqhawi uncovered the details of the seizure when he said that during performing their routine duties in dealing with passengers and processing their procedures, a customs inspector at Terminal (3) of Dubai International Airport, suspected an Asian passenger arriving in from an European country.

Mr. Al Maqhawi went on to say that due to inspectors` proficiency in body language, the passenger was observed to be anxious and confused and asked to put his bags onto the devices, which physically displayed strange objects that required manual inspection.

The customs inspector has immediately opened the bag and inspected it manually before the passenger where stamps with the European Union (EU) emblem hidden inside dress pockets together with  stamps bearing emblems of other some European countries were found.

Consequently, the passenger appreciated that his position has now been unveiled, and offered a sum of money in foreign currency to the inspector in return for leaving him to pass.

The inspector, however, was not weak-willed before such desperate bribery attempt.

Proceeding from his country loving, loyalty and accountability, the inspector called to the officer in charge of the shift as a witness and to inform him of the bribery attempt.

When the passenger was charged with bribery, he repeated the same in a bid to bribe the inspector and the inspection officer in charge, in return for leaving him to pass without taking any actions against him.

In terms of the instruction given by the officer in charge to the inspector to proceed with the inspection operation, a number of entry visas to EU (Schengen) and the Republic of Cuba were found as well, including a passport of a UAE resident Asian lady bearing an entry visa to EU (Schengen), all of which found later to be forged.

In pursuance to the applicable procedures and the existing joint cooperation and coordination between Airports Operations Management and General Administration of Airports Security at Dubai Police, the passenger, seized items, seizure report and the information he provided while being questioned by the competent interrogators at the Passengers Investigation Office of Dubai Customs, were referred to the General Administration of Airports Security  at Terminal (3) for further actions and subsequent follow-up.

Coordination was made as well with the Directorate General of Residence and Foreigners Affairs to have their actions taken in this connection.

Further, the  inspection officer in charge and the inspector lodged a police report with the Police Office at Terminal on the bribery incident against the passenger in order to be incorporated in the case file and taking all legal actions against him.

The passenger admitted his attempt to bribe the inspector and the necessary actions were taken against him.

Worth mention, UAE  prohibited bribery in accordance with Article (234) of the Federal Penal Act, which incriminates the bribee and briber  in the event of accepting a bribe.

“Dubai Customs is keen at all times to educate inspectors about their important role in protecting the security and safety of the society members and the country,” said Al Maqhawi.

“the ethics of the profession and country loving is the foundation upon which the inspector`s personality relies and the  base on which success in business domains is built,” he added.

“Dubai Customs does not rely on training  inspectors on business skills, inspection methods and detection of prohibitions only but also works on developing  and enhancing the spirit of loyalty, belonging and job ethics that are helpful for them to perform their duties successfully,” he maintained.