Gang pepper-spray man and steal Dh1.85 million in Dubai street attack

Worker was ambushed by gang as he walked to his car in Dubai, court hears

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A man was pepper-sprayed and robbed of Dh1.85 million in cash after leaving his place of work, a court heard.

The employee was carrying the substantial sum of money in a bag, along with other belongings, when he was struck on the head from behind while on his way to his car in Al Baraha, Dubai, on August 5.

The attackers made off in a getaway car but were later tracked down and arrested after police were alerted.

“When I was hit, I looked back and saw a number of men before I was pepper-sprayed,” said the Sudanese victim, 43.

“I had the money, my mobile phone and two notebooks inside the bag.”

It was not disclosed in court why the victim was in possession of the vast amount of money.

When police located the men they found the bag of money was Dh100,000 short.

“One of the defendants admitted using the Dh100,000 to buy items. We found the purchase receipts,” said an Emirati lieutenant.

Five Sunanese men - aged 22 to 41 - were charged with theft at Dubai Criminal Court on Sunday.

Four of the men entered guilty pleas, with a fifth denying the charge.

The case was adjourned until October 20, when a verdict is expected to be passed.