Police released an image of the suspect but did not name him. Courtesy: Dubai Police
Police released an image of the suspect but did not name him. Courtesy: Dubai Police
Police released an image of the suspect but did not name him. Courtesy: Dubai Police
Police released an image of the suspect but did not name him. Courtesy: Dubai Police

Government

TikTok user arrested in Dubai for blowing nose on Dh500 note

He faces prosecution over the mocking video

The National

May 18, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

A social media user who blew his nose on a Dh500 note in a video stunt has been arrested by Dubai Police.

The TikTok user was detained by officers for "insulting the national currency".

He faces prosecution under cybercrime laws that carry a maximum financial penalty of Dh1 million.

Officers published his picture on social media, which they had threatened to do for offences relating to the coronavirus outbreak.

His name was not released but the account that published the video belonged to BQ Productions, a video company that makes music videos and commercials.

In a video on the TikTok channel, which has more than 20,000 followers, the Indian suspect is seen with stacks of Dh500 notes laid out on a coffee table while classical music plays.

As he goes to sneeze, he grabs a note and blows his nose on it before discarding it on the floor.

The suspect sneezed and blew his nose into what appeared to be a Dh500 note
The suspect sneezed and blew his nose into what appeared to be a Dh500 note

TikTok users voiced their anger over the video, which was later deleted.

Under a separate video on the same channel, a user wrote: “Just complained to Dubai Police about the video you posted about the currency.”

Police said anyone who insults the "country or its reputation" on social media could face arrest and prosecution.

______________

Gallery: Coronavirus in the UAE

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National
A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National
An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National
An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National
Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP
Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP
Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP
Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP
Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National
Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National
Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National
A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National
Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
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