When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Feb 1st 2005, 8:00 am
#1
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Hi everyone,
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
Feb 1st 2005, 8:05 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1,037
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Frans Wind
Hi everyone,
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
Hi Frans! Sorry about that...must be VERY frustrating!!
Anything else you can do about it??
Feb 1st 2005, 8:07 am
#3
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Hi there,
Wish there was, even contacted the UAE embassy about it. But without physical proof? They can't do a thing. What surprised me though was that they didn't really react surprised hearing about it.
Frans
Wish there was, even contacted the UAE embassy about it. But without physical proof? They can't do a thing. What surprised me though was that they didn't really react surprised hearing about it.
Frans
Feb 1st 2005, 8:12 am
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1,037
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Frans Wind
Hi there,
Wish there was, even contacted the UAE embassy about it. But without physical proof? They can't do a thing. What surprised me though was that they didn't really react surprised hearing about it.
Frans
Wish there was, even contacted the UAE embassy about it. But without physical proof? They can't do a thing. What surprised me though was that they didn't really react surprised hearing about it.
Frans
They probably get those calls all the time!
Wish I could help but i don't know anybody working there
Feb 1st 2005, 8:17 am
#5
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Hi Single Mom,
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Feb 1st 2005, 8:22 am
#6
A slow driver!
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: In a whirlwind in Dubai!
Posts: 442
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Frans Wind
Hi Single Mom,
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Did you just get a PM from me? Typed out a long message about the cargo village and then it just disappeared into cyber space!
Feb 1st 2005, 8:23 am
#7
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
No, didn't receive anything.
Feb 1st 2005, 8:25 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: The Lakes, Dubai
Posts: 581
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Frans Wind
Hi Single Mom,
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Thanks for the help offer, it is frustrating I agree. Just didn't expect it from a country like the UAE. Damn would I like to get hold of this fellow. I wonder how many people and companies actually have paid? No wonder the project has such a poor reputation here in Holland. Just hade to find out the hard way and to late ofcourse.
Frans
Feb 1st 2005, 8:37 am
#9
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Well I doubt it as the vacancy apparently still excists. But if you think about it? I mean here's a group of senior managers / General Managers / Company Owners that visits the auction in Holland on a PR trip, trying to promote Dubai as a trouble free spot in the Middle Eat. And then? People like this "Mister" Thomas come crawling out from under the stones. The end result is that potentially interested people start to think "You see... The Middle East? It's the walhalla of bribery and corruption...." What a pitty, the idea? I mean setting up a Horticultural auction there? Is, or should I say was, a really fantastic one. A huge potential to earn serious money just went down the drain.
Feb 1st 2005, 8:42 am
#10
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 10,998
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by LakesLassie
The worst cases of bribery I've ever heard have all been from South Africa. Mind boggling some of them. I guess the unfortunate thing where bribery is commonplace is that you either pay up or lose out. I'm not condoning it at all, but if you don't pay the man, there'll be a queue behind you willing to do so.
Dunno LL there is a list somewhere of the most corrupt countries, I think you will find Indonesia very high up in the list. It is commonplace and never questionsed that a deal never goes down in Jakarta without a 'brown envelope'.
THE TOP TEN BEST MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES
SOURCE: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 2004
(SCALE 0 (MOST CORRUPT) TO 10 (LEAST CORRUPT))
1. BANGLADESH ---------- 1.5
2. HAITI --------------- 1.5
3. NIGERIA ------------- 1.6
4. MYANMAR ------------- 1.7
5. CHAD ---------------- 1.7
6. PARAGUAY ------------ 1.9
7. AZERBAIJAN ---------- 2.0
8. TURKMENISTAN -------- 2.0
9. TAJIKISTAN ---------- 2.0
10.INDONESIA ----------- 2.0
Well almost!!!
Last edited by Jellybean; Feb 1st 2005 at 8:46 am.
Feb 1st 2005, 8:55 am
#11
semarang
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: sand dune
Posts: 7,763
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Jellybean
Dunno LL there is a list somewhere of the most corrupt countries, I think you will find Indonesia very high up in the list. It is commonplace and never questionsed that a deal never goes down in Jakarta without a 'brown envelope'.
THE TOP TEN BEST MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES
SOURCE: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 2004
(SCALE 0 (MOST CORRUPT) TO 10 (LEAST CORRUPT))
1. BANGLADESH ---------- 1.5
2. HAITI --------------- 1.5
3. NIGERIA ------------- 1.6
4. MYANMAR ------------- 1.7
5. CHAD ---------------- 1.7
6. PARAGUAY ------------ 1.9
7. AZERBAIJAN ---------- 2.0
8. TURKMENISTAN -------- 2.0
9. TAJIKISTAN ---------- 2.0
10.INDONESIA ----------- 2.0
Well almost!!!
THE TOP TEN BEST MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES
SOURCE: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 2004
(SCALE 0 (MOST CORRUPT) TO 10 (LEAST CORRUPT))
1. BANGLADESH ---------- 1.5
2. HAITI --------------- 1.5
3. NIGERIA ------------- 1.6
4. MYANMAR ------------- 1.7
5. CHAD ---------------- 1.7
6. PARAGUAY ------------ 1.9
7. AZERBAIJAN ---------- 2.0
8. TURKMENISTAN -------- 2.0
9. TAJIKISTAN ---------- 2.0
10.INDONESIA ----------- 2.0
Well almost!!!
Feb 1st 2005, 9:00 am
#12
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 10,998
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by novita77
Beat me to it JB ...
Sorry Novi, I recall it is referred to as a 'brown evelope' isn't it?
Feb 1st 2005, 9:13 am
#13
semarang
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: sand dune
Posts: 7,763
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Jellybean
Sorry Novi, I recall it is referred to as a 'brown evelope' isn't it?
The small one u can call it as 'uang rokok' or cigarettes money ... like once i being stopped by the police because get through the red light (yes i know it was my fault !!!
)... u have 2 way let the police fine u, take ur driving license, he will exchange with ticket paper ... 2 weeks later u can collect it in the court and pay 20.000 rupiahs. And the queue, and the time and the hassle...
or ... the police will blatantly said ... u give me 25.000 for my 'uang rokok' then u are free to go. Basically the 25.000 will go to the policeman pocket.
My uncle in the computer network business ... like setting up computer network for universities. Yes u will have to spare 'brown envelopes' to somebody who look after the tender. They not going to the cheapest ... but they go who give the biggest bribes ...
Sad really ... but everybody doing it ... normal way of doing business in Indo. If u want to be straight and clean ... my parents and relatives already going bankrupt and broke ages ago ...
My dad and step mom own some luxuries car... it is only normal when those chiefs police want to borrow for few days (with the driver) ... In exchange when my dad have a problem with the law ... he will get helps in speed up the paperwork.
I would say ... living in Indonesian (bribery wise) not far with living in the middle east. All depend who u know up there...
Feb 1st 2005, 9:35 am
#14
Melts in your Mouth
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Doha, Qatar
Posts: 2,258
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Originally Posted by Frans Wind
Hi everyone,
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
I've been in the export business a long time, and corruption isn't a new thing for me. But things happen in real life that even manage to amaze me. So what I'll do? Just in a nutshell type the contents of a telephone call I made with the Dubai Cargo Village a few days ago. The human resources department to be percise.
Hi, I'm calling from Amsterdam, Holland. Can you connect me through to your Human Resources department?
Reply : Sure Sir, but may I ask what it's for?
My answer: It's regarding a possible job you have to offer for a Horticultural Specialist.
His reply : Ooooo.... Wel I'm not to happy about this phone call, but I will see if I can find someone willing to talk to you.
After waiting nearly 23 minutes on an international telephone line, I got him back on the line "Hold on, I'll connect you Sir"
Dubai Cargo Village, Human Resource Department, how can I help you?
Hi, my name is Frans Wind, I'm calling in regard to a possible job vacancy you have in regard to setting up a flower and plant auction in the Dubai Cargo Center?
Sorry Sir, that project doesn't excist....
Well that's strange, I met Mister Ali Al Jallaf in my office when he visited Holland a while back, he told me the auction project was a reality.
Ooooo... You've met our Director?????
Yes, actually faxed and emailed him a few times, but no replies. That's why I'm calling....
Ooooo... Well I have your faxes and emails Mister Wind, there is no need to bother our Director about this subject.
You mean he gave them to you right? It was marked as personal.
Well Mister Wind, let's say it this way, not all faxes and emails intended for our Director actually reach him. I have everything lying on my desk.
Well as you have all the data, and I assume you've spoken to Mister Ali Al Jallaf, can you connect me through to him?
Ooooo... Well Mister Wind, things work differently here in the UAE.
What do you mean? And to whom am I actually talking? A name would be nice.
Ooooo... You can call me Mister Thomas, and there are some financial things we need to talk about first.
What do you mean Thomas?
Well my work here at the Dubai Cargo Village doesn't really pay well, and if you want your file passed on to our Director? Well a payment would speed things up.
(A slightly irritated me) You mean to tell me you want to receive money from me first????
That is correct Mister Wind, to be percise? € 5.000,= will "help" you get this job. I can arrange it that the money is collected from you in Holland.
Well Thomas, I've been active on the Middle East market for a very long time, but to be blocked off from a high profile UAE project in such a way? Well you managed to actually amaze me. But I don't think the hero "Mister Thomas" will tell me his last name right?
You are correct Mister Wind...
And what will you tell Mister Ali when I inform him about this? Which I will do.
Ooooo... Mister Wind, the Human Resource Department is a big Department, and there are hunderds of Indian nationals working here. I don't think anything will happen to me.
So if I don't pay you, or a maffia friend of yours here in Holland the sum of € 5.000,= I can kiss the job goodbye? Is that what you're trying to tell me?
That is correct Mister Wind, so what will you do?
What I'll do Thomas? Tell you to shove your idea somewhere where the sun never shines. God damn you little ****, I've seen a lot of bribery attempts in my life, but yours? Breaks all records.
Well Mister Wind? I wish you the best of luck with our Director, chances are that you'll never accomplish anything. Bribe money is very normal in the UAE, I'm just not shy in collecting it.
Goodbye Mister Thomas...
Goodbye Mister Wind...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well after putting down the phone, talking to friends and colleques here in Holland I found out that a lot of people where blocked off in this way. Who ever this Mister Thomas really is? The guy must be earning a small fortune in blocking off companies as well as individuals. Why did I take the trouble to write this?
Well greed has a nasty side effect, people like this "Mister Thomas" will want more and more money. The problem is, that the people standing above him in the chain of Management will (often) take the blame for it. So to anyone outthere thinking of applying for a job at the Dubai Cargo Village? In God's name, be warned okay?
Frans
Geeeeez.....................but Im not surprised!!!
Feb 1st 2005, 10:32 am
#15
UAE Expat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 3,393
Re: When bribery exceeds the borders of the UAE.
Anyhow,
I'll end this post as I allready withdrew my job appication at the Dubai Cargo Village. The whole thing has become far to risky and stinks to much if you ask me. Knowing the efficiency with wich people like this "Mister" Thomas work? My file most probebly got lost "in the system" anyhow. I just wrote everything to warn people of the (possible) concequences. Yes, I've seen expats in similar conditions get into major trouble as the blame aventually was put on them and the quilty party walked away. The Americans have a saying "Don't rock the boat" but in this case I did. Just wanted to warn everyone.
I'll end this post as I allready withdrew my job appication at the Dubai Cargo Village. The whole thing has become far to risky and stinks to much if you ask me. Knowing the efficiency with wich people like this "Mister" Thomas work? My file most probebly got lost "in the system" anyhow. I just wrote everything to warn people of the (possible) concequences. Yes, I've seen expats in similar conditions get into major trouble as the blame aventually was put on them and the quilty party walked away. The Americans have a saying "Don't rock the boat" but in this case I did. Just wanted to warn everyone.