Two typists embezzle Dh1.4m worth of transaction fees

An Indian typist found a loophole in the electronic system of the Ministry of health’s transitions that enabled him to steal more than Dh1.4m during a period of two months.

According to the records, MR, 23, discovered the loophole when one day the system failed down and he was able to process the transaction and fees payment via the electronic dirham without actually sending the money.

MR informed his colleague and compatriot AA, 24, and the two agreed to steal the ministry’s money. Thereafter, every time during processing a smart application, once they reached the payment step, he would disconnect power to electronic dirham device and continue operating it. Due to the loophole, the system would show that the transaction was processed and paid for.

The crime was unveiled when an employee at Al Baraha hospital asked a client AM to check with the typing office about the payment receipt as it was not enclosed with the transaction.

AM approached the typing office where he was asked to check with the ministry of finance.

The ministry told AM that the fees had not been collected for his transaction. But as he had actually paid, he insisted that he did via the typing office.

The ministry checked the case in coordination with the company that operates the electronic system and the bank and taking a precautionary action, the ministry suspended dealing with the typing office.

The investigation officials found out that there had been about 3,159 transactions worth Dh1,443,277m, which had been processed in the same way from the same typing centre.

More precisely, officials found out that three computers had been used at this centre in these operations. However, for all transactions the electronic payment receipts were not obtained so a complaint was lodged with the police.

Police arrested MR, who admitted stealing the transactions fees after discovering a loophole in the electronic system.

He admitted to stealing Dh600,000 while his colleague stole a similar amount.

They used to get money from clients for charging e-dirham cards, pocket their transaction fees without actually processing the payment step.

The two agreed that they would split the amount they stole on daily basis. Each of the accused made Dh600,000 over a period of two months. MR told investigators that he transferred Dh518,000 to his home country while the remaining amount of Dh72,000 was kept in his house.

Police searched his house and did not find the amount. However, the father of the accused told the police that he kept the amount in the typing officer where he works.

MR’s partner, AA was on leave in his home country when the embezzlement was discovered.

AA was arrested upon his arrival at Dubai International Airport.

Before going on leave, AA kept his share of the theft and his savings with a compatriot, AM, 42. He told the police that while he was in his home country AM asked him if he could lend him Dh200,000 until his return and he accepted.

AM, admitted that he received Dh600,000 from AA for keeping them in his custody without asking him about their source especially he had the intention to borrow from them.

The Court will reconvene on April 6.