The antique gold coin seized from the Arab smugglers in October 2022. DUBAI POLICE

The Dubai Police has arrested five Arab gang members who attempted to sell antique gold coins that were smuggled into the UAE. The group did not have a licence from authorities when they brought the coins to the UAE last October, intending to sell the artefacts for Dh2.4 million. The UAE’s federal law prevents the buying or selling of historical artefacts in the country without a permit. Receiving a tipoff, an undercover police agent posed as a buyer and met the group at a popular hotel in Dubai. The group accepted a deal to sell 22 antique gold coins for $400,000. Police then raided the place, arrested the suspects and seized the coins in their possession. According to investigation, the group owned several companies trading in jewellery in the UAE and were aware that the gold coins were antique. In a letter to the court, the Dubai Municipality indicated that seized items included 22 antique gold dinars dating back to the Abbasid period. Meanwhile, in its letter to the court, the Dubai Municipality indicated that the seizures included 22 antique dinars of gold dating back to the Abbasid period, more than 1,200 years ago (year 750-861). ICA/Expat Media ALSO READ: UAE law on antiquities
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