Dubai: A businessman was caught in possession of counterfeit currency when he tried to sell a 4,700-year-old Pharaonite ring claiming it enhances males’ charm and sexual performance.
Law enforcement officers seized the counterfeit currencies, $100 and €500 banknotes, in the possession of the 45-year-old Egyptian businessman, A.M, when he and his partner tried to sell the ring to an undercover policeman.
Records identified A.M’s partner, as A.H.
Prosecutors accused A.M. of possessing counterfeited currencies with the intention to promote it in the local market.
The Emirati undercover policeman testified that A.M. claimed the ring belonged to the Pharaonites more than 4,700 years ago.
“The suspects were looking for someone to buy the ring for $2.5 million [nearly Dh9.2 million].
“They alleged the ring had supernatural powers which makes a male, who wears it, look charming and enhances his sexual performance. The ring also makes women quickly fall in love with a man who wears it,” the policeman told prosecutors.
“No! That is absolutely untrue. It did not happen at all,” claimed A.M. when he entered his plea before the Dubai Court of First Instance.
His lawyer asked Presiding Judge Hamad Abdul Latif Abdul Jawad to adjourn the case so he could submit his written defence.
Prosecution records said A.H. communicated with the policeman, who agreed to pay $600,000 [nearly Dh2.2 million] as downpayment to buy the ring.
Records did not mention whether the Egyptian suspects were referred to the Misdemeanor Court to be prosecuted for attempted swindling.
“Police rented a room to conclude the deal in Al Nahda. A.M. claimed that the ring was his. He agreed to reduce the price to $1.7 million. A.H. was arrested first. Police raided a flat which A.M. ran as a clinic to sell medical herbs. The counterfeited money was seized in his flat,” claimed the policeman.
The trial continues.
