'Robbers' arrested at Dubai airport

Dubai // Three men who assaulted an Indian man before stealing at least Dh150,000 from his safe were arrested at Dubai International Airport, a court heard yesterday. SK, 27, told prosecutors at the Dubai Court of First Instance that Romanian DA, 29, and two Moldovians FO, 33, and MB, 35 visited his apartment in the Al Baraha area on May 7. When he answered a knock at the door, the three men pushed their way into his home. DA then allegedly punched SK and used a tea cup to hit him on the head.

A second man, OK, 29, also Indian, told prosecutors he was in the kitchen and heard a loud sound. When he went to investigate, he said he was attacked by FO and MB. A third Indian man in the apartment, VB, 22, tried to break up the fight but one of the defendants threw a large bottle of water at him causing him to fall to the ground. SK said the defendants then broke open the safe and stole US$55,000 (Dh202,000) and Dh400. Before fleeing the scene, DA and FO allegedly hit SK with a stick.

A police officer said FO and MB were arrested at the airport at 7am carrying US$11,810 and US$14,000 respectively. Two hours later, MB was arrested at the airport carrying US$15,200. The men were charged with theft, assault and attempting to flee the country and the case was adjourned.

balqabbani@thenational.ae