Abed Al Boom's lawyers have asked the Dubai Misdemeanour Court's special tribunal to refer the Dh900 million graft case to the special judicial committee.
Dubai Public Prosecution issued an arraignment sheet accusing the Emirati businessman of defrauding and swindling more than 3,850 investors out of more than Dh900m.
Advocates Hassan Juma Al Raisi and Ali Al Falasi argued before the special tribunal presided over by Judge Al Saeed Mohammad Barghout that the arraignment sheet was void and baseless because the special tribunal does not have the jurisdictional power to look into this case. And so if it handles the case it would be a clear violation of the decree.
The claim in not true, Al Boom's lawyers argued. "The arraignment sheet was issued and the case was referred to court on August 5. Your honour, you started overlooking the case on August 23, 2009. how can the DPP's claim be true and we have DPP documents to prove that prosecutors extended Al Boom's provisional detention between June and August." They submitted the supporting documents.
The case is now adjourned until December 19. The judge asked the prosecution to study the documents submitted. "The court will check with the special judicial committee if Al Boom deposited any financial guarantee in its treasury for the claimants' accounts. meanwhile, the suspect remains in custody," said the judge.
Al Boom earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of running a bogus investment portfolio, breach of trust, and swindling Dh900m.