Khaleej Times

DUBAI, Nov 12: In the light of a spate of crimes committed by imposters posing as Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers, the authorities have cautioned the public to be vigilant while dealing with such anti-social elements.

The modus operandi of the criminals is simple and effective because CID officials sometimes are not attired in a uniform for security purpose, say officials adding that the best defense to this malady can be put up  by the people themselves.

Several residents have complained of harassment from such people  which  at times, leads to robbery.

Major Jamal Al Jalaf, from the criminal control section at the Dubai Police said the public needs to ask for identities of those who claim that they are from the CID.

A banker residing in Dubai who wishes to remain anonymous said, “one day at around 10.00pm, I was walking  when I was stopped by a young local guy who came in a car. He asked me to produce my ID and when I asked him why, he showed me an ID saying that he was from the special security police and that he had been watching me in the same area for several days so wanted to question me,”  the banker informed.

According to him the ‘official’ took the work permit and ordered him to take out all the documents and also valet.

“For every question and argument I made, he used strong threatening language saying I have to cooperate with him fully otherwise he will call the special squad and they will take me away within minutes. I also noticed that he was calling someone on the mobile as his superior every five minutes giving details about me as a detainee, intended to put psychological pressure on me. He also told me that this investigation is part of the terrorism and security situation in Saudi Arabia,” said the banker who was later asked by the imposter for a print out from the ATM and credit card.

“When I asked him why you do this, he said this is needed to verify that the bank cards are truly belonging to me and that I have access to them. Fearing that he might call the police, I got down from the car pretending that I was going to the store to bring the water which he asked. I went behind his car to note his number plate and just as I feared, he sped away with my work permit, driving license, considerable amount of money and CC/ATM cards,” said the banker.

Major Al Jalaf said all CID official should carry an ID card with a photograph in military unform, which shows that he is a staff member of the Dubai Police. “The public should not oblige anybody who claims that he is from CID  unless they are sure of the identity. They can, however, request him to call the police,” explained Major Al Jalaf, adding  that the “public should be aware of their rights.”

Earlier this year, one such case took an ugly twist when four Omani nationals posing as CID kidnapped  and raped an Iraqi and threatened to kill her.  The accused were later convicted for the crime.