ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, April 13th 2015 [ME NewsWire]
On Sunday evening, in the largest seizure of its kind in Abu Dhabi since the beginning of the year, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Abu Dhabi Police foiled an African gang’s attempt to sell and distribute counterfeit money amounting to $10 million.
Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Abu Dhabi Police, emphasized the commitment of the police to protect the interests of society and security, and to spare the public from any criminal activity that threatens their livelihoods or their gains. “Counterfeit money threatens the economic security and stability of individuals and institutions, it siphons away from their gains and undermines the confidence in cash currencies,” he said. Reassuring the public, he continued: “The eyes of the police are ever-vigilant and are always watching over the safety of the nation and of each individual. We can assure you that we always strive to strengthen the ways in which we benefit you and protect you from the clutches of evildoers.”
Describing the details of the incident, Colonel Borshid said: “The CID received a tipped-off regarding the intentions of ‘A.A. Oroo’, a Cameroonian by nationality and a janitor by profession. He was living here illegally and intended to sell the extremely sophisticated counterfeit dollars for nearly $2.5 million.” He continued describing how the CID sent an undercover agent as an interested buyer, who then arranged to meet with the suspect in one of the capital’s hotels to inspect the counterfeit money.
“The suspect arrived to the designated location and was caught red-handed as he opened the bag containing the counterfeit money. Much to the surprise of the suspect, we had set up an ambush prior to his arrival,” he said.
According to Colonel Borshid, during interrogations the suspect claimed that he was merely the middle man, and that the money did not belong to him. He claimed that he was acting on behalf of a fellow countryman, of whom he had met a month ago on ‘Tango’, and had traveled from another emirate in order to meet the owner of the counterfeit money. He confessed to agreeing to find a buyer for the money for 900,000 Dhs.
“From the information provided by the first suspect, we were able to identify the owner of the counterfeit money alongside an additional suspect. Their details were circulated and followed-up on to bring them before the courts,” he said.
Colonel Borshid concluded by praising the efforts of the community and for their cooperation in maintaining the safety and security of the UAE. He additionally urged the public to never hesitate in reporting any suspicious activities, so that the police can fully protect them against any potential threats.
It is worth mentioning that the CID had additionally succeeded in thwarting the distribution of counterfeit $14 million, which was comprised of fake $100 bills colored with a black and white chemical substance. The procedure was carried out in an operation dubbed “Black Storm” on the first day of Eid Al Adha in 2010.
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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com
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