Gulf News

Sharjah, July 16: Police yesterday busted a six-member Arab gang for allegedly swindling people by selling them precious stones with "magic powers".

The gang comprising four women and two men allegedly swindled several people by selling them precious stones claiming that such jewellery brought wearers good luck, money and help them stave off problems.

The gang reportedly sold the magic stones for Dh750,000 apiece.

Acting on complaints of a gang selling stones with "magical powers", the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police set undercover agents on the job. The undercover agent contacted the gang members seeking their services.

The gang then showed the agent a precious stone and demanded Dh12,500 as advance payment to prepare the stone.

Later the gang members were arrested while the agent handed over the money.

During raids at the homes of the accused, police recovered several precious stones and equipment (wada') used to do black magic. Police also found evidence of people being swindled up to Dh300,000 for black magic tricks, such as spells.

Sharjah Police sources said many UAE nationals and expatriates have fallen victim to the group. They warned the public against these groups claiming to perform black magic, and called for more awareness.

Police said they will be tough on people involved in such practices.