Four sentenced in Dh21m theft

DUBAI // Four men have been sentenced to 10 years in jail for mugging a businessman and taking US$5.8 million (Dh21.3 million) at Jumeirah Beach Residences in March.

The 28-year-old Russian MM; and JB, 38, BC, 30, and BK, 30, all from Uzbekistan, attacked the Dutch businessman MR, 45, and his 26-year-old compatriot RB with knives and beat them before stealing four bags of money.

According to prosecution records, the men sneaked into the car park of a furnished apartment building by squeezing in behind one of the residents in a stolen Jaguar.

When MR and RB showed up, the others jumped out of their car and attacked. They stabbed them, beat them, grabbed the money and fled in the Jaguar.

Prosecutors told the court that the four were part of an organised criminal gang.

MM and BC were also convicted of stealing the Jaguar, which belonged to an Australian man. JB and BK were convicted of aiding and abetting the car theft.

MR told prosecutors he had flown to Dubai on business and had withdrawn the money from two money exchange houses in the city.

"Before the defendants could drive away, I managed to get the car plate number," he said.

Police found BK on Jumeirah Walk, driving a Bentley. The others were arrested in a sting operation arranged based on information he provided, records show.

amustafa@theantional.ae