Dubai: A Dubai-based expat was detained for four hours in Germany after authorities mistook him for a wanted criminal.
I'm arrested in Frankfurt airport without reasons
— كريم فريد (@KareemFarid) July 22, 2017
Kareem Farid, an Egyptian Public Relations executive and former journalist, was travelling to Prague, Czech Republic, on Saturday via Frankfurt, Germany.
However, his much-anticipated holiday soon turned sour when authorities at Frankfurt Airport mistook him for a man who went by the same first name, but spelt as ‘Karim’, who was wanted for a federal offence in Germany.
After four hours of interrogation in a small room, Farid was eventually released from custody.
There is someone holds a similar name to mine committed a crime. They investigated me to clarify and then let me go
— كريم فريد (@KareemFarid) July 22, 2017
In a series of tweets and posts on social media, Farid explained that even though he lost his connecting flight to Prague, his holiday plans are back on track and has been able to successfully reach his destination.
On an Instagram photo, Farid posted up a photo in Prague, with the caption: "Prague is always a soul reliever. Especially after today's situation at Frankfurt airport."
