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Gang of Paid Prowlers Busted in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI - Ever heard of thieves on the payroll? That’s exactly what has been unearthed in Abu Dhabi.

Four Asians were arrested by the Abu Dhabi Police Criminal Investigation Department for stealing more than Dh100,000 from bank customers.

The thieves are said to be operating like workers and were being paid regulary by their boss who hired them just for the purpose of committing thefts.

Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Hamad Al Hanai, Head of the Organised Crime Section at Abu Dhabi Police said the mastermind had brought seven Asians into the country on two-week visas and provided them accommodation.

He reached a deal with the ‘criminals’ to work for him under the UAE labour law which is not less than eight hours a day for a half monthly pay of Dh3,000 each.

Lt. Colonel Al Hanai, clarified that the ‘gang’ focused on tracking bank clients after they withdrew cash and got back to their cars.

The ‘criminals’ played a trick on their victims saying that the tyre was flat, and while talking, one of them would snatch the money and run off.

Al Hanai said the mastermind continued to pay his ‘gang’ even if the ‘returns’ were poor to maintain loyalty.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Brigadier Nassir Al Menhali, Acting Director General of the Naturalisation and Residency Department, Ministry of Interior, held the concerned tourism and travel agents liable for bringing in the ‘gang members’ to the country on tourism visas.

He pointed out that the travel agents have to be one hundred per cent sure of using such facilities presented by the country.

He cited a ministerial decree which stipulates that a sponsor who brings in tourists must be an institution working in the tourism field and must also be totally accountable for the visitors.

Brigadier Al Menhali highlighted that the Ministry is going to reconsider the regulations and rules governing such visa categories, in order to guarantee that they might not be misused in 
future.

adel@khaleejtimes.com