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Dubai-bound students from India caught smuggling Dh1.47 billion hidden in notebooks

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In a scandal straight out of a spy thriller, three unsuspecting students bound for Dubai have been caught red-handed with over $400,000 (Dh1.47 billion) stuffed into notebooks at Pune airport. The discovery unfolded on February 17, when customs officials intercepted the trio — who claim they had no idea what was in store for them.

The plot thickened when it emerged that the students had received two mysterious bags from Pune-based travel agent Khushbu Agarwal, 41. She allegedly passed off the bags, claiming they contained urgent office documents for her Dubai operation. But what the students didn’t know was that hidden between the pages were stacks of foreign currency which had been meticulously concealed in a bold smuggling attempt.

Acting on a tip-off amid an investigation into a suspected hawala racket, Pune Customs unearthed the shocking secret. Indian authorities, in collaboration with officials in Dubai, quickly sent the students back to India — only to have them intercepted at the airport, where the currency stash was discovered.

The ensuing inquiry led to the dramatic detention of Agarwal, who confessed to owning the seized money during the interrogation. 

Further questioning resulted in the arrest of Mumbai-based forex trader Mohammed Aamir, the alleged supplier of the illicit funds. A subsequent raid on a forex firm in Mumbai uncovered even more foreign currencies from various countries.

Customs and Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers have since raided 10 locations across Pune, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, tightening the noose around those involved. Both Agarwal and Aamir have now been placed in judicial custody, as the authorities continue to unravel the currency smuggling case.

(Source: PTI, HT)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Sharjah Police share simple ways to prevent home and car thefts

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Sharjah Police has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at reducing home burglaries and vehicle theft across the emirate.

The initiative, titled Your Belongings Are Your Responsibility, is being carried out in partnership with Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority as part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety and encourage community vigilance.

Focus on prevention and awareness

Authorities say the campaign is designed to remind residents that simple precautionary measures can significantly reduce theft risks.

The awareness drive encourages people to:

  • Properly secure homes and doors
  • Lock vehicles at all times
  • Avoid leaving valuables visible inside cars
  • Stay alert and report suspicious activity

Multilingual awareness messages

As part of the rollout, safety messages will be shared through multiple communication channels to ensure they reach a wide audience across Sharjah.

The campaign will also include:

  • Multilingual awareness brochures
  • Outreach targeting workers’ accommodations
  • Digital safety content across social media platforms

Sharjah Police stressed that public cooperation remains essential in preventing crime and protecting communities.

Authorities added that vigilance, awareness and responsible behaviour all play a key role in reducing theft incidents and improving overall security across the emirate.

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Dubai Police issue urgent warning: Secure your devices now

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Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.

The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.

Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:

  • •Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
  • •Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • •Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
  • •Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
  • •Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
  • •Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.

Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.

Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.

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UAE issues stark warning on price fixing: ‘It’s a crime’

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Price manipulation isn’t just unfair, it’s illegal in the UAE.

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to businesses, making it clear that inflating or fixing prices crosses the line into criminal activity, not clever strategy.

In a statement shared online, authorities reinforced that the UAE’s free-market system is built on fairness, transparency, and strict legal oversight. Any attempt to distort competition or exploit consumers is taken seriously and can carry legal consequences.

At the centre of this is Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which bans monopolistic behaviour, price-fixing agreements, and the misuse of market dominance. The goal: keep markets open, competitive, and fair for everyone.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted its role in cracking down on economic crimes, working closely with other authorities to detect violations and protect consumers.

The message is simple: if you manipulate prices, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re breaking the law.

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