Blackwater founder Erik Prince makes statement in Abu Dhabi as part of fraud suit

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A lawyer for two self-described whistle-blowers at the former Blackwater Worldwide security firm says she has taken a deposition from the company's founder Erik Prince.

Susan Burke says she met Monday with Prince in Abu Dhabi, where he moved earlier this month.

Prince was deposed as part of a civil lawsuit alleging Blackwater repeatedly billed the U.S. government for excessive or inappropriate expenses.

Two former Blackwater employees, Brad and Melan Davis, allege the company — now known as Xe — sought reimbursement for a prostitute for workers in Afghanistan and strippers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The lawsuit claims Prince enjoyed substantial financial benefits from the alleged fraud.