Bitcoin heist: Dubai Police arrest 10, recover Dh7 million

Dubai - Two Asian brothers were lured by the gang members to their office.

Amira Agarib

Published: Sun 29 Apr 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 30 Apr 2018, 9:41 AM

Dubai Police have recovered Dh7 million and arrested a gang of 10 who deceived two brothers who wanted to buy Bitcoin.
Police said in statement on Saturday that two Asian brothers were lured by the gang members to their office. After assaulting the brothers, the gang stole the money and left the scene.
Lt Colonel Adel Al Joker, Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Dubai Police, said the operation room received information about the case occurred in Al Muraqabbat area on April 25.
The brothers were looking for someone to buy Bitcoin. The gang lured the two, claiming that they can sell Bitcoin.
In the meantime, the head of the gang deceived a commercial shop owner in Al Muraqabbat area, who put an advertisement to sell his office and trade license.
The gang leader told him that he wanted to buy his office and license, and the owner gave him the key to check his office after 8pm. Using this opportunity, the gang lured the two brothers to the office.

Six members of the gang met the two brothers inside the office while the rest waited outside the office.
Once the brothers reached the office, the gang members assaulted the two and tied their hands, locked them inside the room and escaped with the money.
Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police, praised his officers who arrested the gang in short time despite the fact that the thieves had left no evidence behind.
The police officials managed to identify the GCC mastermind within four hours.
Major General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, said the police have used the smart programme and artificial intelligence technology to trace the gang in record time.
"The Analysis Centre helped the officers to arrest all gang members," he pointed out.