Adwea official faces Dh300m bribery charge

One of Abu Dhabi electricity and water authority (Adwea) officials allegedely accepted bribes worth Dh300 million to award contracts to insurance companies, according to a report in 'The National'. 

MGH, Head of Adwea's Insurance Operations, was part of a group of five people including three JOrdanians and an Egyptian, who was charged with corruption charges.

MGH was charged with forgery and acquiring illicit profits for herself and others. Her job is key to her ability to commit the offences of which she is accused, the court heard.

Prosecutors say she awarded contracts worth Dh297 million to her private company and other insurance companies over a period of 10 years. An Adwea representative asked for Dh200,000 in initial damages from the five in the dock and three companies that won contracts.

During investigations, according to lawyers, prosecutors found MGH had Dh100 million in her bank accounts. They ordered a freeze on her assets.

MGH told prosecutors she had been authorised by Sheikh Diab bin Zayed, the authority's chairman, to include her company among those eligible for contracts. She said she never used her influence to award herself any contracts.

She also pleaded not guilty to charges of awarding contracts in exchange for high commissions, and of forging an insurance letter.

Another accused, MMI, who held a senior position at Adwea for 10 years, was accused of conspiring with MGH in forging the insurance letter. He pleaded not guilty to forgery charges. The three others were accused of acquiring illicit profits, which they denied.

MGH and MMI have been in prison since November 7. The others are on bail. MGH's four lawyers asked that she be released on bail to allow her to present a better defence, as they said she had documents in her home that could help her case.

Case has been adjourned until January 30.

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