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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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Dubai Police alert: Fake insurance scams are exploding, don’t pay until you read this

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A new warning from Dubai Police is putting residents on high alert as fraudulent insurance schemes surge across the emirate, many of them spreading rapidly through social media.

As part of its ongoing BewareofFraud campaign, authorities revealed that unlicensed companies are luring victims with “too-good-to-be-true” deals, often advertising heavily discounted vehicle and health insurance packages designed to trick unsuspecting buyers.

These fake operators typically promise quick, hassle-free policies at prices far below market rates—pushing some residents to make payments without checking whether the company is legitimate. By the time doubts arise, the money is often gone.

Officials stressed that all legitimate insurers in the UAE are tightly regulated and must follow strict procedures to protect customers. Any offer that seems unusually cheap or rushed should raise immediate red flags.

Despite ongoing monitoring and legal action against fraudsters, Dubai Police made it clear: awareness is your strongest defence. Residents are strongly urged to verify licences, double-check documentation, and avoid engaging with suspicious online ads.

Anyone who encounters potential scams is encouraged to report them immediately via the eCrime platform or by calling 901, the dedicated non-emergency helpline.

With scams becoming more sophisticated, one simple rule could save you: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

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Dubai Police warn against fake news, urge public to rely only on official sources

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Dubai Police have issued a public advisory warning residents against the spread of misinformation, stressing that relying on unverified sources can threaten community safety and stability.

In a statement shared on social media, authorities highlighted how the speed of modern communication has made it easier for inaccurate information to circulate, sometimes deliberately to create panic and anxiety.

Officials emphasised that individuals play a critical role in maintaining public order, noting that sharing unverified content can have serious consequences. “What we share matters,” the statement said, adding that misinformation can undermine public safety.

Residents have been urged to act responsibly online by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official sources for updates.

The advisory also referenced warnings from UAE Public Prosecution, which confirmed that individuals who repost or circulate rumours—even if they are not the original creators—can face legal action under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Authorities reiterated that responsible digital behaviour is essential to protecting both individual and community well-being.

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Dubai scam alert: Authority warns of fake QR code scams as cyber fraud attempts rise

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The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has issued a warning over a growing number of scams involving fake QR codes, especially those sent through email.

According to the authority, cybercriminals are exploiting how quickly information spreads by sharing QR codes that appear to offer urgent updates or important services. However, scanning these codes can expose users to serious risks.

DESC explained that such QR codes may install malware on devices or redirect users to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

How to protect your device

Residents are being urged to stay cautious by verifying the source of any email before scanning QR codes, avoiding suspicious messages, and never entering sensitive details on untrusted links.

To boost online safety, DESC also recommends using the RZAM app, which provides real-time alerts about unsafe websites and allows users to scan links before opening them.

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