Former soldier Matthew Croucher has been trapped in Dubai for seven months (Picture: PA)
A Royal Marine has been trapped in Dubai for seven months after he was accused of spying.
Lance Corporal Matt Croucher had his passport confiscated and was thrown into jail in November after working as a security consultant in the UAE.
He was released from prison four days after his arrest as authorities were unable to gather enough evidence.
But the 40-year-old has been told nothing about the case against him, and he still has no passport.
His phone and internet banking access device was also confiscated, meaning he is struck in the country with little money.
The hero ex-commando received the George cross after he jumped on a Taliban grenade in Afghanistan to save his colleagues in 2008.
His body armour was able to repel the force of the blast, meaning Croucher, originally from Solihull, survived the attack.
After leaving the military to become a security consultant out of the UK, he was accused of ‘intentionally and illegally accessing a telecommunications network’ by Dubai officials, The Times reports.
Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher holds the backpack that he was wearing when he jumped on a grenade (Picture: PA)
He was forced to sleep on the floor of the prison as it was so overcrowded and was made to eat chicken and rice twice a day with ‘unsanitary amenities’, a close friend said.
Croucher was questioned for six hours but his case has still not progressed, and he is required to report to the Al Barsha police station each week.
He moved to Dubai in 2014 and worked with authorities on ‘security related matters’.
His family said: ‘We’re shocked at the circumstances which have played out. He was only due to be away for a couple of weeks. We don’t understand why it is taking so long to process the case.
‘We believe the case to be made up and ridiculous. The Foreign Office has been useless, often making things worse and telling him his case has been formally concluded.
‘This has caused our family immense stress and we just hope this can be concluded at the earliest opportunity.’
His friend said : ‘Unable to earn, access banking and having to fund his stay in Dubai, unable to leave, has caused significant financial strain.
‘This has also put a huge strain on his family who are left waiting in the UK with no answers or support.
‘He was only due to be passing through the country for a few days to catch up with friends before returning to the UK.’
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