US businessman gets 15 years in Dubai fraud case
Mar 25, 2013, 10:17 AM
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – A Dubai court has convicted an American businessman for fraud and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment after a nearly five-year legal battle that included a hunger strike and a failed attempt to flee.
The case against Lebanese-born Zack Shahin also brought diplomatic tensions between the United Arab Emirates and the Unites States, which backed Shahin’s demand for a trial after years in detention.
Washington did not immediately comment on Monday’s sentencing, which also includes fines totaling more than $7.8 million for Shahin and three others.
The Dubai criminal court found Shahin guilty of taking nearly $5.5 million in bribes as head of Dubai-based Deyaar Development. He denied wrongdoing.
Shahin staged a hunger strike before being granted bail in July 2012. He escaped to Yemen, but was returned to Dubai.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)