Dubai Police have arrested two suspects linked to a sophisticated fraud operation that defrauded victims of more than Dh11.8 million, according to the force's Anti-Fraud Centre. Investigators said the suspects posed as officials and representatives of international organisations, convincing victims they were implicated in fabricated criminal cases abroad. The fraudsters then told victims they needed to transfer money to "verify" their innocence and have the funds returned later. In several cases, victims sold gold and jewellery to raise the amounts demanded.
During questioning, the suspects admitted they had been recruited through social media by a group operating outside the UAE, earning a commission for every successful scam. Officers who searched the suspects' phones found victims' personal data along with messages and recorded conversations, which formed key evidence in building the case.
Dubai Police renewed its warning to residents to be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to represent government bodies or international agencies, stressing that no legitimate authority will ever ask for bank details or cash transfers over the phone. The case is one of several similar fraud networks uncovered recently in the UAE, most of which are directed by handlers based abroad while recruiting local operatives online.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify any additional members of the network. Residents are urged to report suspicious contact immediately through Dubai Police's official reporting channels.