Sharjah: Sharjah Police have arrested a two-member gang for cheating several people by selling counterfeit gold coins.
Police said the two Asian men were arrested after receiving several complaints from their victims. Sharjah Police carried out a sting operation to catch the suspects.
Colonel Ebrahim Al Ajel, Director of Criminal and Investigation Department at Sharjah Police, said the suspects cheated the victims by showing them an antique gold coin, which they claimed was found at an ancient archaeological site. Later they sold a packet of fake gold coins to their victims for sums up to Dh60,000.
The suspects usually asked the victims to meet them in an industrial area in order to hand over the packet of coins, which the victims later discovered as pieces of metal painted with gold colour.
The incident came to light when one of their victims found out that the coins were fake. He reported the incident to the police immediately.
Police formed a team that tracked down the suspects and were arrested in a sting operation. At the time of the arrest police found 3 kgs of fake coins in their possession which they intended to sell it.
The suspects confessed to their crimes and have been referred to public prosecution.
Colonel Al Ajel cautioned community members against falling victim to fraudsters, and refrain from buying gold or jewellery from unknown and unauthorised sources. He advised residents not to buy gold without an invoice for their purchase. He urged community members to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities on 999 or 06-5632222 or the toll-free number Najeed 800 151 or via SMS on 7999 or www.shjpolice.gov.ae/najeed.
