The court also fined the defendants 600 dirhams each.

The three Indians were charged after they were caught in a sting operation while giving the bribe.

“IM asked me over the phone if I could help him issue a health card to a person who suffers from hepatitis B. I refused and told him that it was unlawful to process a health card for a barber who suffers from a contagious disease,” the health inspector said.

“The next day he came to my workplace and asked why I was hesitant to help him. The supervisor said earlier health cards had been issued to individuals with contagious diseases,” he said.

“I promised I would reconsider… then I told my boss. She suggested that I pretend to have agreed in order to expose the staff members who processed the health cards to unhealthy individuals,” the inspector added.

The Indian nationals will be deported after they complete their sentences.