Buraimi – The Primary Court in Buraimi has sentenced the owner of a travel and tourism office to prison and issued fines after convicting him of multiple offences, including fraud, forgery, and operating without a licence.

The case was triggered by a complaint filed by a female consumer who transferred money to the office for airline tickets. Shortly before the travel date, the office informed her of a cancellation. Upon contacting the airline directly, she discovered that the tickets were fake.

Following an investigation by the Consumer Protection Department in Buraimi Governorate, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution and then to court. The court sentenced the defendant to:

• Three months’ imprisonment for forging a private document,
• Another three months and a fine of OR 300 for fraud,
• A fine of OR 400 for operating without a licence,
• Two months’ imprisonment and a fine of OR 300 for failing to deliver services properly.

The sentences were consolidated, with the harshest penalty — for fraud — to be enforced. The court also ordered the closure of the office, used as the instrument of the crime. The CPA has praised the public’s role in reporting violations.