DUBAI VOWS ZERO-TOLERANCE TOWARDS CORRUPTION, BRIBERY

DUBAI, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The government of Dubai has vowed to come down hard on those involved in corruption and bribery in both the public and private sector in the emirate.

In making the promise, a statement issued on behalf of Dubai's public prosecutor said fighting corruption was at the top of the government'spriorities.

"The Dubai government follows a transparent and clear policy on such issues. There are strict directives to have zero-tolerance towards all aspects of corruption, bribing and taking advantage of official positions," said thegovernment statement.

It was issued in the wake of recent questioning of employees of listed and public establishments on suspicion of exploiting their positions to make illegalprofits.

The public prosecutor said the outcome of ongoing investigations againstthose accused would be announced once they were complete.

"The government of Dubai will take strict and prompt action against all acts of corruption and bribery wherever they occur in the emirate, whether in the public or private sector," vowed the government official, adding that errantemployees would not have immunity against prosecution.

"The strictness with which some violations that emerged in the recent past have been dealt with confirms the government's commitment to maintaining the highest global standards in fighting corruption and enhancing its achievementsin the economic, financial and legislative fields," the statement said.

The public prosecutor said the government had created in Dubai an ideal environment for development, supported by a legal and legislative structurebased on best global practices.

It will continue with this policy which has inspired confidence amongbusiness leaders throughout the region and the world, said the official.

"There will be no tolerance shown to anybody who tries to exploit hisposition to make illegal profits," the public prosecutor said.