Duo 'attacked and stole Dh3m from businessman' in Dubai

The businessman met with the two men who were allegedly selling petroleum products but they 'assaulted him and stole his money'

Two men attacked a businessman and stole more than Dh3m from him, Dubai Criminal Court was told on Monday.

Prosecutors said the 42-year-old Indian man, who trades in petroleum products, was told by a business acquaintance in India that three men in Dubai were selling Dh3m-worth of petroleum products.

“He asked me how fast I could come up with the money, so I applied for a million dollar loan from Abu Dhabi National Bank,” the businessman said.

He said the bank gave him the money in dirhams, which amounted to Dh3.6m.

On September 12, the three men agreed to meet with the man in Port Saeed, but only two of them attended the meeting.

Prosecutors said the two men invited the businessman into their car where they discussed the deal and asked to see the money.

“They suddenly attacked me and grabbed most of the cash then pushed me out of the car and sped off, when I checked what I had left, there was only Dh500,000,” said the man who called police.

An Emirati First lieutenant said they arrested two men but the third remains at large.
"They both admitted planning the crime and carrying it out using a rented Range Rover," said the policeman.

He said the men were arrested in Sharjah where they had already split the stolen money between them.
Police seized Dh2.8m from the pair who said the outstanding amount was used to pay for the rented car and apartment in Sharjah.

Prosecutors said the men admitted to stealing from the businessman but denied assaulting him. A medical report issued by Rashid Hospital confirmed that the man suffered bruises and swelling in the face, wrist and shoulders.
In court on Monday, the unemployed defendants, a 30-year-old Syrian and 26-year-old Uzbek, denied charges of theft and assault.
The next hearing will be held on November 6.