Saudi Arabia blocks online store for selling counterfeit gold bullion

Authorities say website based abroad was targeting Saudi consumers

Last updated: August 22, 2025 | 14:20

1 MIN READ

Gold bullion can be seen after being removed from casts at the ABC Refinery smelter in Sydney on April 29, 2025. Picture for illustrative purposes.

AFP

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has shut down an overseas online store after it was found selling counterfeit gold bullion made of copper coated with gold. The site, officials said, was deliberately misleading consumers by advertising the fake bullion at half the market value.

The violation was detected during monitoring of e-commerce activity in the Kingdom. The ministry said the store, which specifically targeted Saudi shoppers, was immediately blocked in coordination with other authorities to protect consumers and enforce the country’s E-Commerce Law.

Officials urged consumers to verify the legitimacy of online stores before making purchases, using the “E-Commerce Documentation Inquiry” service available on the Saudi Business Centre platform. They also warned the public against dealing with unverified websites or accounts to avoid fraud and scams.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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