UAE | Crime
Illegal telephone gadgets seized in Ras Al Khaimah
Several shops have been selling local residents illegal international phone calls for 50 fils per minute, regardless of the area, from mobile phones illegally tapped into etisalat lines.
- By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:51 December 21, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
- Technology brought illegally into UAE enables people to get free lines on their cell phones after tapping into etisalat lines which are then sold to local residents for 50 fils per minute for international calls. Picture for illustrative purpose only.
Ras Al Khaimah: Several shops have been selling local residents illegal international phone calls for 50 fils per minute, regardless of the area, from mobile phones illegally tapped into etisalat lines.
Several people of Asian origin have brought technology into the UAE which enables them to get free lines on their cell phones.
The police force raided nine shops in different areas of the emirate yesterday and arrested people who have turned their shops into call centres using the illegal mobile phone technology.
A senior police officer confirmed the operation was carefully planned and suspects were caught red handed.
Coordination
The officer stressed that the operation was conducted in complete cooperation with etisalat on whose lines the suspects have been selling the calls.
The emirate's police and etisalat received a tip off that two Asians in two tailoring shops in the city of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Nakheel area have been selling calls mainly into Asian countries.
Suspects have been regularly visiting Asian majority residential areas with ready to use mobile phones, to attract more customers.
The officer said this technology is completely different from the earlier types, where mobile phones were used and the rate was 50 per cent less than usual - which encouraged scores of people to use the illegal service.
Police investigators coordinating with etisalat revealed that several people in different areas of the emirate have been involved in the illegal business.
Nine Asian shop owners in the areas of Dhan, Dfan and Al Nakheel were also arrested, their shops searched and the technological devices used in the business seized.
The suspects confessed to police investigators that they have been involved in the business for quite a long time and they made a huge amount of money out of it and have a large number of regular customers.
The emirate's Police referred the suspects to the emirate's Public Prosecution to press charges and refer them to the court.
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Last minute ID rush is on
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Car seats for children: Unsafe at any speed
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
