Wafi heist: Woman seeks compensation

Dubai: A woman, whose car was stolen and used by the Pink Panther gang in the Wafi Centre heist eight years ago, has approached Dubai Police for compensation.

Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police Chief, said he received the woman’s claim on his personal e-mail a few days after Dubai Police held a press conference revealing the fourth arrest.

“She said she wanted compensation for the emotional and psychological damages she suffered because of the theft,” he said.

Maj Gen Al Mazeina said it seemed the woman was encouraged to send the e-mail after the announcement that Borko Ilincic, one of the main suspects in the robbery, was extradited to the UAE.

“I told her that she has the right to ask for compensation, but through the right channel, which is the Dubai civil courts,” he said.

In 2007, armed members of the Pink Panther gang, smashed into the glass facade of Wafi Centre in two cars, and within seconds, fled with around Dh55 million worth of jewellery. The gang then burnt the two cars in an attempt to eliminate all evidence.