Dubai: Over half a million dirhams was stolen from an accountant's car while he was having a Dh12 breakfast, a top police official said.
The case was reported recently by the Asian accountant, F.K., who told police that the left front window of his car had been smashed. An envelope containing the money, which was hidden underneath the car's floor mat, had been stolen, said Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigations of Dubai Police.
Earlier that day and while on duty, the accountant withdrew Dh600,000 to deposit into another bank account.
While he was counting the cash in the lobby of the bank to ensure the figure was correct, he was monitored by an Iranian suspect, said Lt Colonel Ahmad Humaid Al Merri, Director of the Criminal Investigations Division within Dubai Police.
"When we watched the surveillance cameras at the bank we noticed that one of the people in the footage was suspiciously walking around in the lobby," he said.
An investigative team was formed to gather information about the identity of the suspect in the footage. A rental car company was able to identify the suspect, who had provided incorrect address details.
On returning the rental car, police investigators arrested him within 48 hours of the report being filed, said Lt Col Al Merri.
"I believe the case by itself reflects the mistakes committed by many people. I say this again and again, never ever leave money or personal belongings in your parked car even if it's for a few minutes," he said.
"I urge companies to transfer money electronically and if they want to withdraw money to have more than one employee," he said.
The 45-year-old Iranian suspect, A.B., is a regular visitor to the UAE for trade dealings.
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