The rare pink diamond. ARCHIVE

Dubai Police have foiled a dramatic attempt to smuggle out an exceptionally rare pink diamond worth $25 million, arresting a three-member gang within just eight hours of the theft. In an operation code-named “Pink Diamond”, police recovered the 21.25-carat gem, which experts say has a unique purity rating and only a 0.01 percent chance of finding another like it. Major General Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, Director of Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said the gang had spent over a year planning the theft. Their scheme involved posing as wealthy buyers, renting luxury cars, meeting the diamond’s owner at upscale hotels, and even hiring an expert to authenticate the gem. The jeweller, who imported the diamond from Europe, said he was lured to a villa where the gang snatched the stone before fleeing. “As soon as I called 999, patrols arrived within minutes. They reassured me and immediately launched the investigation,” the trader said. “To my surprise, the very next morning, they called to say the suspects had been arrested and the diamond recovered. Their speed and professionalism were astonishing.” Police said the thieves, all of Asian nationality, had initially fled to separate hideouts. A special task force tracked them down using advanced surveillance technology, raided multiple locations simultaneously, and recovered the diamond. It was found hidden inside a small refrigerator bound for shipment to an Asian country. The pink diamond, classified as Fancy Intense, boasts exceptional clarity, symmetry, and polish with an “Excellent” grading, making it one of the rarest gems in the world. The jeweller, who has operated in Dubai since 2005, praised police efforts and urged fellow traders to follow official safety guidelines. “Dubai has become a safe global centre for diamond trade. It’s important we uphold the standards that make that possible,” he said. ICA/Expat Media
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