Sharjah Police arrest gang defrauding online vehicle sellers with forged receipts

In a swift operation lasting less than 12 hours, the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Sharjah Police General Command arrested an Asian gang targeting vehicle sellers on websites and social media platforms.

The gang stole vehicles and extorted money from their owners using deceptive methods.

Colonel Dr Khalifa Al Bahai, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, explained that they had received a report from someone who claimed to have fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme.

This resulted in the loss of his vehicle, which he had put up for sale on an online marketplace.

The suspect contacted the victim and made a tempting offer. After examining the vehicle via photos to avoid meeting the seller, the suspect sent the victim a forged receipt via social media.

The suspect deceived the victim into transferring the agreed amount by claiming that it would be deposited later in accordance with transfer procedures.

Acting in good faith, the victim handed over the vehicle via a recovery vehicle. It later became clear that he had fallen victim to fraud and theft.

He pointed out that a specialist team of detectives had been formed to track down the suspects, as investigations had revealed that the gang was led by one of its own members, who was responsible for devising the plan and allocating tasks.

The gang targets online vehicle sellers by communicating with them, sending ID cards and forged transfer receipts in other people's names after inspection to convince the sellers of the purchase's legitimacy.

Once an agreement had been reached, the victim was asked to send the vehicle to a specific location. To enhance credibility, they assure the victim that ownership will not be transferred until the money has been received.

They then seize the vehicle, destroy its number plates, and dispose of it immediately. After this, they cut off communication.

Director of the Criminal Investigation Directorate added that, once the investigative procedures had been completed, information had been gathered and the locations and movements of the gang had been identified, a well-thought-out field plan was put in place.

This resulted in the gang being arrested in a record time of no more than 12 hours and the seized vehicle being recovered, along with three other vehicles seized in similar operations.

Colonel Balhai emphasised the importance of exercising caution and avoiding unofficial sales and purchases, given the potential legal and fraudulent risks involved.

He stressed the importance of using approved platforms and consulting the relevant authorities when selling or transferring vehicle ownership, since these channels are safe and guarantee the rights of all parties, providing a documented record of transactions.

He also urged community members to verify the identities of buyers and sellers and avoid cash transactions or undocumented agreements, given the risk of electronic fraud.