Emirati authorities have released on bail eight Britons detained in raids on three British-run corporate research companies, the British embassy here in Dubai Wednesday, July 4. "The eight Britons have been released on bail," said a spokeswoman from the British embassy in Dubai, a federal member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Gulf News reported that the 11 other foreigners detained were also released, but the embassy could not confirm that, saying only that it "was very likely".
The bailed Britons were forbidden to travel outside the UAE and male guarantors had to surrendered their own passports to ensure they will not abscond, the spokeswoman said. “There have not yet been any charges but the investigation will continue," she added.
A total of 19 people, including nationals from India, Jordan, Morocco, the Philippines and Yemen, were held in the June 26 raids for the alleged use of unauthorized surveillance equipment that press reports said had invoked the ire of Dubai's ruling clans.
The Britons arrested included Michael Sixsmith, 58, a former army intelligence major and former Grenadier Guardsman Peter Lockhart-Smith, directors of the Dubai-based Middle East Research Group (MERG).
Twelve others, including five Britons, were arrested at SSS Corporate Research, while the remainder worked at Vision Leisure International.
British corporate research firms in the UAE are licensed to compile economic information on companies, often working hand-in-hand with local economic departments to crack down on rogue traders dealing in counterfeit luxury goods. ― (AFP, Dubai)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
