In a swift and decisive operation, Sharjah Police arrested a gang accused of defrauding car sellers through forged transaction receipts within just 12 hours of receiving a complaint.
The Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations under the General Command of Sharjah Police successfully tracked and apprehended the suspects, who are of Asian nationality.
According to officials, the gang specialized in targeting individuals selling vehicles through online platforms and social media, using fake receipts and fabricated identities to deceive them.
Colonel Dr. Khalifa Balhay, Director of the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, said the case began when police received a report from a victim who had listed his vehicle for sale online.
The seller was approached by buyers offering an attractive deal and was later sent a falsified receipt claiming the transfer amount had been made, though it would take time to reflect in the account.
Believing the transaction was legitimate, the seller handed over the vehicle — only to discover later that he had been defrauded. The police immediately formed a specialised investigative team to identify and locate the culprits.
Investigations revealed that the gang operated in a coordinated manner under the leadership of one main planner. This leader was responsible for assigning roles and overseeing communications with potential victims.
The fraudsters would send counterfeit identification documents and forged bank transfer confirmations to convince sellers that the payment was authentic.
Once an agreement was reached, the gang requested the seller to deliver the vehicle to a specific location, claiming ownership transfer should only happen after the funds appeared in the seller’s account. When the vehicle arrived, the suspects would quickly seize it, damage the licence plates, and vanish without completing the payment.
Colonel Balhay praised the efficiency and professionalism of the police team, who used advanced investigative methods to trace the suspects and arrest them within 12 hours.
He added that the quick response underscores the Sharjah Police’s commitment to combating cyber-enabled financial crimes and protecting residents from online fraud.
He further urged members of the public to remain cautious when selling vehicles or valuable goods through online platforms. “Always verify that payments are fully received before handing over any vehicle or asset,” he warned. “Avoid dealing outside official channels, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
The Sharjah Police also reaffirmed their ongoing efforts to monitor fraudulent schemes on digital platforms and enhance public awareness through community outreach campaigns.
Authorities encouraged citizens and residents to make use of secure payment methods and official portals for vehicle transactions to prevent falling victim to similar scams.
The arrested individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings as investigations continue to determine whether they were involved in additional cases of fraud.
Sharjah Police emphasized that swift community reporting remains a vital factor in enabling law enforcement to respond rapidly and effectively against emerging forms of cyber and financial crime.