Gang robbing bank clients arrested

Dubai: Police have arrested a gang of four who robbed bank clients with a clever ruse, the Criminal Investigation Department said.

A gang member would pretend to be sick and fall down in front of the potential victim, who would be leaving the bank with a substantial amount of cash, Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department, said yesterday. The person emerging from the bank would feel obliged to help the person in distress, at which time the other gang members would grab the money and run away.

Brig Al Mansouri said the gang of four Ethiopian men monitored banks in crowded areas, such as Naif and Rifa'a, where six complaints had been registered against them.

Six complaints

One of the complainants had reported losing Dh300,000 and another Dh70,000.

One victim said he withdrew money from a bank in Rifa'a but was taken aback when he saw a person faint on the street minutes after he left the bank. He rushed to help but the man who had fallen stood up and walked away. The victim realised soon enough that his money was gone.

After receiving six reports in a short time, a CID team stepped up monitoring of areas where the gang was believed to be operating.

Close analysis of the gang's method of operation helped experts arrive at the conclusion that they were African nationals. Another Asian gang was found to be targeting bank clients after they got into their cars.

A CID team noticed a few African men who were hanging out near a bank in Rifa'a on Thursday and closing in on a man as he emerged from a bank, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Humaid Al Merri, director of the Investigation Section. However, police swung into action before the crime could occur.

All the victims recognised the gang members in an identification parade, particularly the man who pretended to faint. The accused were all referred to the prosecution for legal action, Lt Col Al Merri said.