Dubai, UAE – Dubai Police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated fraud syndicate that targeted vehicle owners across the emirate by posing as legitimate buyers on a popular online classified platform.

The suspects, authorities say, employed forged cheques to deceive multiple car sellers, swiftly exporting the vehicles abroad before the fraud was uncovered.

In a detailed statement released by the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), officers revealed that the gang had been operating both within the UAE and internationally.

Their modus operandi involved coordinated efforts among several members, each assuming a specific role in the scam to appear credible and trustworthy to unsuspecting sellers.

According to investigators, the scheme typically began when a gang member initiated contact with a seller under the pretense of purchasing a listed vehicle.

To enhance the deception, another member would impersonate a representative of a well-known company to manage ownership transfer procedures.

During the final transaction phase, which often occurred late at night at a vehicle registration branch, the suspects would issue a counterfeit cheque as payment.

“The timing and setting of these transactions were carefully chosen to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy,” a Dubai Police spokesperson explained.

“The suspects deliberately selected high-value vehicles and targeted sellers who were less likely to verify the authenticity of cheques before handing over their cars.”

Once the car ownership was officially transferred, the fraudsters wasted no time. Using a copy of the passport of the newly registered (but fictitious) owner, they arranged to ship the vehicle out of the UAE the same night.

In many instances, sellers only realized they had been duped when they attempted to cash the cheque and discovered it was forged.

The CID’s Anti-Fraud Centre reported receiving several complaints that ultimately led to the exposure of this transnational scheme.

With the assistance of surveillance, cyber tools, and inter-agency cooperation, Dubai Police successfully tracked down and arrested the perpetrators, some of whom were operating from outside the country.

In light of the incident, Dubai Police are urging the public to exercise caution when selling vehicles, especially through online platforms.

They advise sellers to verify the authenticity of cheques directly with banks and, whenever possible, insist on receiving full payment in cash prior to transferring ownership.

“Criminals often exploit digital platforms to conduct fraudulent activities,” the police added. “Residents must remain vigilant and avoid finalizing transactions during odd hours or under pressure.”

Authorities also reminded citizens and residents that any suspicious or fraudulent activity should be promptly reported.

Victims of financial scams can file complaints at the nearest police station, or report cyber-related fraud through the Dubai Police eCrime platform at www.ecrime.ae or via the Dubai Police smart app.

The successful takedown of the fraud syndicate underscores Dubai Police’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public trust and ensure the safety of online and offline transactions throughout the emirate.