Dubai — Authorities in Dubai have apprehended a gang behind a sophisticated online investment scam that drained the life savings of a retiree.
The victim, a former employee of over 40 years, had invested his end-of-service gratuity after being lured by a social-media advertisement for a high-return investment app. Initially testing the platform with a modest amount, he was encouraged by apparent gains and transferred nearly his entire savings. When the app ceased operations and communication ended, he realised he had been defrauded.
A task-force from the Anti-Cybercrime Department traced the digital money trails, coordinated with cross-border authorities and arrested the gang members. The suspects had transferred funds out of the UAE after obtaining them from the victim’s account.
The police urge residents to deal only with licensed investment entities, avoid transfer of funds abroad at the prompting of unsolicited investment offers, and report any suspicious activity through the official eCrime platform or via the Dubai Police app.