Bidder of Dh31m number plate arrested for fraud

The Abu Dhabi Police have arrested the Emirati who bid Dh 31 million for the Abu Dhabi No. 1 vanity number plate.

The accused has been charged with fraud and issuance of a dud cheque.
Also read: Abu Dhabi No. 1 car licence plate auctioned

During interrogation, the accused admitted that he did not have sufficient funds in his account when he wrote the cheque, and said he was planning to sell the number plate for a higher amount and make profit out of it.

Al Mahri was first taken into police custody, and then brought to the Abu Dhabi Public Funds Prosecution for interrogation.

He admitted that he was well aware that he could not pay for the number plate he won when he first entered the auction.

The Public Funds Prosecution said that the auctioneer intentionally defrauded the Emirates Auction House by entering a public auction for distinguished number plates despite the fact that he was totally aware of his financial incapability.

"He issued a dud cheque to pay out the due Dh31 million, the payment due for the distinguished number plate (1) he won in a public official auction in violation of law."

The Public Funds Prosecution has warned the public against such an illegal practice which is criminalised in the UAE federal punitive law. "As per the contracts of the Emirates Auction House, the ownership of the properties hammered off shall only be transferred to the winning auctioneer upon full payment of due amount."

Earlier, the Abu Dhabi Police and Emirates Auction had run the auction of distinguished number plates at the Emirates Palace on Saturday, November 19. Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters confirmed that "Category 50" has a significant impact on interested buyers, while noting that the number plates are within a limited edition that does not exceed 50 exclusive numbers.

The event was organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Government, 50 years representing historical achievements and global success achieved by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com