Gang of Seven to Stand Trial Over Dh13.7M Company Office Theft

A gang of seven Ethiopian nationals is set to stand trial after Dubai Public Prosecution launched an investigation into the theft of Dh13.7 million from a company office in Dubai.

According to case files, the suspects operated as a coordinated criminal group. Some members had recently entered the UAE on visit visas specifically to carry out commercial burglaries, while others already residing in the country provided logistical and operational support.

Dubai Police said the theft was reported after the company’s management discovered that an office safe had been forcibly opened and millions of dirhams stolen. An additional Dh734,000 was taken from a second safe.

Surveillance footage showed five masked men entering the commercial building in the early morning hours. The suspects broke into the office and used specialised tools to pry open the iron safes before fleeing with the cash.

A specialised field team from the General Department of Criminal Investigations was deployed immediately. Through CCTV analysis, coordinated patrols and vehicle tracking, investigators identified a Hyundai vehicle used in the crime, which was registered in the name of one of the suspects. This led to the unravelling of the entire network.

Investigations revealed that the gang meticulously planned the burglary, selecting the company as a target and monitoring staff movements. Roles were divided among members to execute the crime swiftly and professionally.

The suspects allegedly attempted to conceal and rapidly distribute the stolen money through unofficial transfer channels, with efforts also made to smuggle portions of the cash outside the country.

One suspect was arrested at Dubai International Airport after receiving his share of the stolen funds and attempting to flee the UAE. Another confessed to receiving a bag containing approximately Dh2 million, part of which he distributed to associates before his arrest.

Police described the group as a highly organised criminal network experienced in forced entry, safe-breaking and concealing evidence. Investigators believe the gang had planned additional thefts targeting commercial establishments.

Several suspects remain in custody, while others are under active pursuit. The case has been formally referred to Dubai Public Prosecution, where the defendants will face charges including organised theft, criminal conspiracy and illegal fund transfers.

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