UAE authorities say former Royal Marine arrested in Dubai on suspicion of espionage has been cleared

A former Royal Marine arrested in Dubai on suspicion of espionage has been cleared and is free to leave the country, United Arab Emirates authorities announced Friday.

British media reported this week that Matthew Croucher, who won one of Britain's highest gallantry awards for his service in Afghanistan, was arrested in November and banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates pending a investigation.

His family said in a statement that the case was “made up and ridiculous.”

Dubai authorities said Friday that Croucher was “arrested after gaining access to a public establishment using illegal technological means.”

“The case was referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution Service and, after a thorough investigation, the evidence was found to be insufficient. The case has been closed and Croucher is now free to leave the UAE,” said the Dubai Media Office, a government agency of the sheikhdom. “This decision underlines the commitment of the Dubai Public Prosecution Service to upholding the rule of law. »

The British government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Croucher, 40, was awarded the George Cross – which, along with the Victoria Cross, is Britain's highest award for bravery – for throwing himself on a grenade in Afghanistan to protect his comrades.