By:
Ohoud Suleiman Al Naqbi
Sharjah Police, represented by the Directorate of
Criminal Investigation, successfully apprehended a criminal network of four
individuals of African nationality involved in multiple fraud operations using
various methods. The network targeted victims inside and outside the country to
unlawfully obtain their funds. This followed several reports revealing a
recurring pattern of fraud, with investigations uncovering that the group had
seized more than AED 3 million.
Providing details of the case, Colonel Dr. Khalifa
Belhai, Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, stated that the
first case involved the suspects using a “fake shipment” scheme. Members of the
network impersonated shipping and insurance companies, deceiving victims into
believing they had parcels or shipments pending clearance and requesting
payment under various pretexts, such as customs fees or insurance charges.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had gained unauthorized access to
data or accounts associated with an insurance company operating in the shipping
sector, enabling them to use legitimate information that enhanced the
credibility of their fraudulent activities and helped them target suppliers and
clients with actual dealings in the sector.
Colonel Belhai noted that the criminal activity
extended beyond the local level, with investigations indicating an
international dimension. One suspect was operating from outside the country,
directing the network and identifying targets, while others within the country
were responsible for receiving funds and withdrawing cash from ATMs. In this
context, a specialized investigation team was formed to track the suspects, and
evidence confirmed the withdrawal of funds in two installments representing
part of the stolen money, which was later handed over to one of the suspects
according to their assigned roles within the network.
Regarding the second method used to deceive victims,
Colonel Belhai explained that it involved a separate fraudulent scheme that
impersonated a woman on social media platforms. One of the suspects admitted
collaborating with another to execute this type of fraud. Investigations showed
that the suspects created fake accounts using images and names of women to lure
victims and build emotional relationships over time, ultimately exploiting them
financially. After gaining the victims’ trust, the perpetrators fabricated
financial scenarios, such as planning to travel or meet within the country, or
claiming emergency situations, to request money transfers through methods
difficult to trace, including prepaid SIM cards and indirect payment channels,
ultimately resulting in the theft of funds.
Colonel Belhai emphasized that this case reflects the
evolution of fraudulent methods, which now combine social engineering
techniques with digital tools to target victims. He stressed the importance of
exercising caution and not responding to unverified financial requests,
especially those received via unexpected messages or from unknown accounts. He
urged the public to verify the sources of messages and payment requests, and to
refrain from sharing personal or banking information under any circumstances.
He also noted that specialized units are exerting intensive efforts using
advanced digital analysis technologies, which contributed to uncovering this
criminal network and identifying the roles of its members, affirming the
continued commitment to strengthening preventive measures to protect the
community from such crimes.