A new corruption case related to real estate developer Deyaar was adjourned to February 3 by the Dubai Criminal Court yesterday as Mohammed Mustafa Hussein, an expert at the Financial Audit Department of the Dubai Ruler's Office, failed to testify.

The defendants in the case are Deyaar's former CEO, 45-year-old US national ZS; Argentinean KM, 61, trade partner; and Canadian FL, who is at large. They are accused of asking for a bribe of Dh30,515,750 to award Deyaar's projects to another company. The first and second defendants, who are in custody, attended yesterday's session along with their lawyers. Hassan Arafa, Deyaar's lawyer, also attended to presented evidence in support of the charges.

Also attending was a representative from the Financial Audit Department who presented a letter to apologise for the absence of Hussein for reasons related to his work.

Deyaar's lawyer insisted on hearing Hussein's testimony, while the defence called to hear prosecution witnesses. The public prosecution had referred the defendants to court for asking for the bribe from Thermo company for awarding it some of Deyaar's projects. It was alleged that they misused their positions because the first defendant was Deyaar's CEO, the second defendant was a partner at Ambiance Technology and the third a projects manager at Thermo.

ZS is accused in two cases related to Deyaar. In the first case, his co-accused is a former minister and Deyaar's former chairman, MK.

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