Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
In an operation named ‘Pink Diamond’, Dubai Police successfully thwarted the theft of an exceptionally rare pink diamond worth $25 million and foiled the criminals’ attempt to smuggle it out of the country.
Dubai Police revealed that Operation Pink Diamond led to the arrest of the gang, who had been plotting for over a year to steal the rare diamond, which is certified by a leading gemological institute and has a unique purity rating, with only a 0.01% chance of finding another like it.
The criminals’ scheme involved identifying the diamond’s owner (a jeweller) and deceiving him into believing that a wealthy buyer was interested in purchasing it.
To establish credibility, the suspects posed as wealthy individuals by renting luxury cars and arranging meetings at upscale hotels, eventually persuading the merchant to move the diamond out of his secure shop, enabling them to steal it.
Foiled Plan
Leveraging advanced technologies, Dubai Police CID teams identified the three suspects, all of Asian nationality, tracked their locations, and arrested them—ensuring the diamond was safely recovered before it could be smuggled out of the country in a small refrigerator bound for an Asian destination.
Rare Gem
The pink diamond is classified as Fancy Intense and weighs 21.25 carats. It boasts exceptional clarity, symmetry, and polish, with an Excellent rating. Its extraordinary value and rarity made it a prime target, prompting the gang’s elaborate efforts over an extended period.
How the Plot Unfolded
Dubai Police revealed that the merchant had imported the diamond from a European country to sell in Dubai. The gang had closely monitored its arrival and devised a sophisticated plan to steal it, posing as wealthy intermediaries representing a potential buyer.
The gang scheduled multiple meetings with the merchant, rented high-end cars, and met him at luxurious hotels to convince him of their credibility. They even hired a renowned diamond expert to authenticate the gem, further persuading the merchant of their seriousness.
