The Emirates authorities say a former Royal Marine arrested in Dubai on suspicion of espionage has been exonerated

A former Royal Marine who was arrested in Dubai on suspicion of espionage has been acquitted and can leave the country, authorities in the United Arab Emirates said on Friday.

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

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

Authorities in Dubai said on Friday that Croucher was “arrested after using illegal technology to gain access to a public facility.”

“The case was referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution Service and after a thorough investigation it was found that the evidence was insufficient. The case was dismissed and Croucher can now leave the UAE,” said the Dubai Media Office, a government agency in the sheikhdom. “The decision underlines the Dubai Public Prosecution Service’s commitment 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 – Britain’s highest award for bravery alongside the Victoria Cross – for throwing himself on a grenade to protect his comrades in Afghanistan.