Passer-by foils Dh2.5m robbery bid in Dubai

Dubai: A member of the public helped stop a suspect while he was trying to flee with Dh2.5 million from a security vehicle that was transferring the amount from a money exchange to a bank, police said.

The attempted robbery took place on November 3 in Karama, near Wall Street Exchange.

A second suspect was arrested in Abu Dhabi, while the driver of the van was also held for being an accomplice to the crime.

According to Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of Dubai Police, the Indian driver and his Pakistani colleague were transporting the money to a bank in a briefcase.

The Pakistani was holding the briefcase and as the driver was about to close the doors of the vehicle, two Asians forcibly opened the doors and used pepper spray in the vehicle before snatching the briefcase from the Pakistani.

The Pakistani raised an alarm. It attracted the attention of a passer-by who chased the suspect. Later with the help of the police, the suspect was caught behind the Ministry of Health building.

A specialised unit was formed to investigate the case and locate the second suspect. He was later arrested in Abu Dhabi.

The first suspect confessed to the police investigating unit that the Indian driver collaborated with them and was aware of the robbery operation.

According to Brigadier Al Mansouri, the operation was planned by the three suspects and the money was to be divided among them.

"I highly appreciate the response from the public as they are integral members in helping the police force maintain their security and safety services," he said.