Arab News
 
MADINAH, Aug 11: Two Saudi national were arrested in Madinah on the charge of impersonating police officers to bully foreigners into giving up valuables, Al-Madinah daily reported.

The two suspects were arrested as they were reportedly seen stopping expatriates on Al-Salam Road and asking them for their iqamas, money and even cell phones. They were immediately arrested and the case is still under investigation.

The ruse of Saudis or Arab expatriates impersonating government officials to harass foreign residents has been on the rise. Commenting on the phenomenon, Deputy Minister of Interior Prince Ahmed said in a recent statement that some people with “weak conscience” have been apprehended for impersonating the identities of policemen or security officers.

“A number of these people have been caught by security forces and they will face justice,” he said.

Foreigners are advised to know their rights in terms of giving iqamas to others on demand and should not hesitate to ask anyone claiming to be a Saudi official (uniformed or undercover) to show proper identification.