Gulf | Oman
Oman Police expose major scam by car thieves
The Royal Oman Police has exposed a major fraud operation run by a gang of car thieves.
- By Sunil K. Vaidya, Bureau Chief
- Published: 20:24 February 25, 2008
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police has exposed a major fraud operation run by a gang of car thieves.
An official press release issued by the ROP on Sunday stated: "Our Anti-Crime Department managed to arrest a group of individuals involved in a number of fraud operations and stealing of vehicles."
According to the police source, five small companies have been identified for their involvement in the fraud. "There could be more such companies involved," he said. It is learnt from some officials that nearly 50 people have been taken into custody by the police and the number could be even higher.
The companies identified for their involvement in the fraud are Sahib Establishment, Saeed Bin Abdullah Al Kharussi Trading and Establishment, Al Rawahi Road Transport, Mahfoud Al Zaqer Trading and Establishment and Al Zaim Establishment.
The official press release has neither identified those held nor revealed their nationalities but according to sources a large number of nationals are believed to be involved in the fraud. These small companies used to lease vehicles from individual owners by offering them tempting rates, it is learnt.
"The individuals were told that they were hiring these vehicles for bigger companies," the ROP press statement said. The individual owners were offered from between 350 to 1000 Omani riyals(Dh per month rental for their vehicles.
Impounded
"Afterwards these people used to send vehicles to neighbouring countries such as Yemen and others for sale," the source said.
The ROP press release said that 300 vehicles were impounded by the police so far and the number could be even higher. Investigations are on and police are likely to make another announcement on the progress of the case soon.
"It probably started three-four months ago but soon complaints by residents of being cheated started increasing, prompting a thorough investigation by the criminal department," he added.
"After making the required search and investigation, a number of suspects were caught," the ROP press release says. The police also said that these people had formed fraudulent companies in several parts of the country to lure people in their trap.
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