Sharjah Police have dismantled an organised electronic fraud network that lured victims into a fake rental scheme, arresting 13 Asian suspects in an operation named Shebak Al-Wahm (The Illusion Trap).
According to a statement on the police’s official X account, the group operated under a clear system built on seven steps: posting fraudulent ads, contacting potential victims, arranging meetings, collecting deposits, signing false contracts, fleeing, and then transferring money out of the UAE.
Brigadier Omar Ahmed Bualazoud, Director General of the General Directorate of Criminal Security and Ports, confirmed that the gang was highly structured, with members assigned specific roles. He stressed that it was the skill of Sharjah Police investigators and the use of advanced technologies that led to exposing and dismantling the network. He also commended the field teams for their commitment and praised leadership support in adopting modern tools to safeguard the community.
Colonel Dr. Khalifa Balhai, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, revealed that the case began when a woman reported being defrauded after responding to an online housing ad. She had visited the apartment, paid a deposit, and signed documents, only to find the suspect had disappeared and blocked all contact.
Despite the gang’s attempt to cover their tracks by carefully planning their movements and discarding SIM cards after each scam, investigators were able to monitor their activities using digital tracking and analysis, eventually arresting all members one by one.
Sharjah Police urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with real estate ads on websites and social media, stressing the importance of verifying the authenticity of offers and the credibility of advertisers before making payments or signing contracts. Authorities reminded residents that community vigilance remains the strongest defence against such crimes.
