Man jailed after police find Dh320,000 in stolen jewellery in bike

Dubai: A man who tried to smuggle Dh320,000 in stolen jewellery using a bicycle, has been jailed for three years.

Policemen at Dubai Airport discovered 34-year-old Georgian, A.J., had hidden trinkets stolen from several Dubai flats, inside the bicycle.

The Dubai Court of First Instance found him guilty of breaking into flats and stealing various pieces of jewellery and other valuables.

Prosecutors charged A.J. and two other suspects, who remain at large, of breaking into a number of flats and theft.

“I admit that I broke into flats and stole jewellery and valuables. I am not sure of the value of the stolen items,” argued A.J. when he defended himself in court.

The accused will be deported following the completion of his jail term.

Records said the three men used a screwdriver and a knife to force their way into a flat in Al Rifaa.

They were said to have stolen 55 bullions, 28 gold bracelets, 12 earrings, four necklaces, 13 pendants, three rings and four jewellery sets that belonged to an Asian lady.

An Emirati policeman said A.J. was arrested when the bullions were found stuffed in his bicycle while he tried to travel out of Dubai.

“The visitor admitted that he and two of his countrymen broke in to a number of unoccupied flats and stole gold and jewellery. The last robbery happened in the Grand Souq Area, claimed the defendant. A.J. claimed that they rented a car and drove around the streets of Dubai. He said they chose buildings that were relatively easy to rob.

“He claimed that during the last burglary they broke the flat door with a knife and a screwdriver. A.J. kept the jewellery at his residence for six days before he handed over part of the stolen items to his countrymen to sell them in Georgia,” claimed the policeman.

The defendant confessed to the accusations during questioning.

The primary judgment is subject to appeal.