Dubai Police have arrested four members of an eight-person gang accused of stealing luxury oud valued at Dh12 million through an elaborate deception involving a woman who allegedly posed as a princess.
Authorities said the highly organized operation was dismantled in less than 12 hours, with officers recovering the stolen oud before it could be sold or moved elsewhere.
According to Dubai Police, the scheme began when two suspects approached a luxury oud merchant and claimed that a high-profile princess visiting Dubai wanted to purchase an exceptionally valuable oud collection.
Believing the offer was legitimate, the merchant agreed to meet the supposed buyer and brought a selection of premium oud products for inspection.
Police said the gang then staged an elaborate setting at a luxury villa, complete with private security personnel, formal reception arrangements, and a lavish dinner to create the impression of a royal transaction.
During the meeting, the suspects allegedly convinced the merchant to transfer the oud into different bags they claimed were more appropriate for the princess.
A woman later arrived and introduced herself as the buyer. After the meeting, the merchant was told that the transaction would be finalized the following day.
Investigators said the suspects used the opportunity to secretly replace the luxury oud with ordinary pieces of wood before returning the bags to the merchant.
When the merchant attempted to contact the buyers the next day, all communication lines had been disconnected. Upon checking the bags, he discovered that the valuable oud had been replaced.
The incident was immediately reported to Dubai Police, which launched a rapid investigation using surveillance systems, analytical tools, and security camera footage.
Authorities tracked the suspects to an apartment where the stolen oud had been hidden and arrested four gang members. The luxury oud was successfully recovered.
Police said the remaining four suspects, including the woman accused of impersonating a princess, managed to leave the country before the arrests.
Dubai Police has since requested the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice to facilitate the international search and arrest of the fugitives.
Authorities credited the swift recovery of the stolen goods to coordinated police operations and advanced investigative techniques.
Staff Report23 seconds ago
