UAE: Gang targeting bank customers busted in Fujairah; suspects wanted in another emirate

Fujairah Police have arrested a gang specialising in robbing bank customers just three hours after they stole Dh195,000 from a woman, the authority announced.

According to the police, the criminals were also wanted in another emirate for committing similar crimes.

How the crime unfolded

The incident took place on Thursday, October 23, at around 10:50am, when a woman reported that she had been deceived and robbed in a “clever scheme” shortly after withdrawing money from a bank.

The suspects reportedly tricked her by claiming there was a problem with the rear tyre of her vehicle. When the victim stepped out to inspect the issue, one of the gang members quickly opened the opposite car door and stole the money, before the pair fled the scene.

Police released an image from the security footage showing the woman checking her car while the theft occurred behind her back.

Swift police response

Fujairah Police immediately formed a specialised investigation team to identify and track down the suspects. Within three hours, the authorities successfully located the perpetrators and discovered that they were already wanted for similar thefts in another emirate.

In coordination with Sharjah Police, the gang was arrested and referred to the competent authorities for legal procedures.

Public warning

Police urged residents to remain cautious when withdrawing or carrying large sums of money, avoid interacting with strangers near banks, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

Authorities emphasised that the public’s vigilance plays a key role in preventing such deceptive crimes and ensuring a prompt response from law enforcement.

Previous Fujairah cases

This is not the first time Fujairah Police have taken swift action against criminal activity.

• In September, two Asian men were sentenced to life imprisonment for smuggling and possessing 925 narcotic tablets through Fujairah International Airport. The court also ordered the confiscation of the drugs, deportation of the convicts after serving their terms, and Dh2,000 payment to their court-appointed lawyer.

• In June, the Fujairah Court upheld a six-month jail sentence against a man convicted of engaging in sorcery and violating his wife’s privacy by sharing personal photos with a so-called “spiritual healer” via WhatsApp.