Family hopeful Safi Qurashi will be freed after court decision
Jailed British billionaire Safi Qurashi, the man who bought Great Britain in Dubai’s 'World' island development, is set to be freed after judges ruled two of his bounced cheque charges were unsound.
The 43-year-old, who has been in Dubai Central Prison for nearly three years, has continuously protested his innocence since being jailed for three bounced cheques in 2010.
His family said that jail bosses were adding up the time he has served for the two quashed cases against one outstanding case, which comes before Dubai’s Cassation Court on Monday, to see exactly when Qurashi can leave the prison.
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Jailed British billionaire Safi Qurashi, the man who bought Great Britain in Dubai’s 'World' island development, is set to be freed after judges ruled two of his bounced cheque charges were unsound
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Jailed British billionaire Safi Qurashi, the man who bought Great Britain in Dubai’s 'World' island development, is set to be freed after judges ruled two of his bounced cheque charges were unsound
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Jailed British billionaire Safi Qurashi, the man who bought Great Britain in Dubai’s 'World' island development, is set to be freed after judges ruled two of his bounced cheque charges were unsound
The case to be heard on Monday, July 30, involves a security cheque that should have been returned to him after he paid the money.
Qurashi’s sister, Hina, told 7DAYS: “It’s absolutely fantastic news. We are just waiting to hear when Safi can be released. He has spent two and a half years in jail.
“The case on Monday has also been referred back by the Attorney General. The cheque involved should have been returned to him.
“We are hoping that by Monday all three cases will be quashed.
“It has all come at a big personal loss to him and his family. He has no home to go to, that has been lost.”
Quarashi’s family, including his 13-year-old daughter Sara and her sister Maaria, 11, relentlessly campaigned to highlight his case. They made videos appealing to the Dubai authorities.
Earlier this year Qurashi claimed to have joined a group of hunger strikers in a last-ditch attempt to have his case looked at again.
In the only interview he gave from inside the prison, 19 days into his protest, he told 7DAYS: “Under the law the court has to prove bad intent. Simply bouncing a cheque is not enough proof of that.
“My family has spent two years running around from department to department. Nobody wants the responsibility of investigating. The only way now is the hunger strike. No-one wants to hear us.”
Hina said: “The children are desperately excited. It has been one major, major journey and a very difficult one for all the family.
“We are just glad to think it has finally come to an end. We’re on standby for Safi’s release.”
Comments
by FatBhoyTim
Thursday, July 26 2012, 4:50PM
“In his case, the cashed cheque was a security cheque for an financial transaction that was settled. The person cashing it should've been the one chucked in person for fraud.”
by Michael Jones
Thursday, July 26 2012, 4:30PM
“Neither is he a millionaire or billionaire (in liquid terms), and I don't think he cares about errors made by journalists and the media. Yes there are assets invloving millions, but the sad part its only because of these assets his story was important enough to follow. Many people lose their homes when a tornado like this hits them, but he has a very supportive family and friends/business contacts who have been amazing throughout the past few years. There's no rat just a family who don't care where they are so long as they can be together.”
by SR
Thursday, July 26 2012, 3:42AM
“Hi. I am so happy for you and your family. I campaigned here in England to have him set free also. I know the person who SHOULD have been in jail instead of you and I am so glad justice has ALMOST been served. I do not feel it will have been served until they put the real villain where he deserves to be. I hope you can build up your life once more and look forward to being with your lovely family. I hope it goes well. X.”
by AAAli1
Wednesday, July 25 2012, 12:28PM
“Not too sure what to make of this chap who claimed to a Billionaire NOT a Millionaire who now claims to be homeless??? Me smell a fishy story here that makes no sense.”
by Reeko
Wednesday, July 25 2012, 4:35AM
“Bounced cheque rulings are sadly treated as a criminal matter in UAE courts. It should be a civil matter as UAE prisons are crawling with people who are not murderers, rapists or thieves, but over financial issues! They should free up some space for real crimes and let civil courts deal with this problem! Impose a travel ban, introduce fines, and/or structure payments or other settlements but don't jail people for a bounced cheque! Being in jail doesn't really help banks or loaners in getting their money back. It's a lose-lose situation for both parties!”
by Property News Dubai
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 8:49PM
“What an inspiring story. I feel for Safi and his family who never gave up despite the constant beaurocracy and red tape. Congratulations and good luck!”
by AAAli1
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 8:48PM
“A bit strange - he claimed to be a 'billionaire' not a 'millionaire' and now claims he has no home to go to - mmm sound fishy. Wonder if there is a scam to extract money from innocent people in the pipeline. Well he can sell his story to the sleazy newpapers like the rest.”