DUBAI: A Dubai court has convicted an American businessman for fraud and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment after a nearly five-year legal battle that included a hunger strike and a failed attempt to flee.
The case against Lebanese-born Zack Shahin also brought diplomatic tensions between the UAE and the Unites States, which backed Shahin’s demand for a trial after years in detention.
Washington did not immediately comment yesterday’s sentencing, which also includes fines totaling more than $ 7.8 million for Shahin and three others.
The Dubai criminal court found Shahin guilty of taking nearly $ 5.5 million in bribes as head of Dubai-based Deyaar Development. He denied wrongdoing.
Shahin staged a hunger strike before being granted bail in July 2012. He escaped to Yemen, but was returned to Dubai.
American gets 15 years for Dubai fraud
