Arrests made after UAE foils two operations to smuggle people across border

UAE authorities have thwarted two attempts to smuggle individuals across the border and have handed over those detained to prosecutors. The first operation came to light when officials received information and discovered a scheme to smuggle 18 Asian nationals into the country in separate groups. This plot was allegedly aided by a Gulf national.

Surveillance and subsequent operations resulted in his apprehension after he entered the UAE via a border crossing accompanied by two suspected infiltrators and five family members. Authorities claim he brought his family to lend credibility to the trip and hide the smuggling operation. In the second incident, authorities prevented a plan to smuggle a foreigner out of the country to assist him in evading restrictions and arrest warrants.

Investigations led to a woman from a Gulf nation who allegedly orchestrated the operation with her daughter's assistance. As a GCC national, she took advantage of the ease of travel between countries and entered the UAE with family members to conceal her actions. Authorities also allege that she repeatedly smuggled other infiltrators out of the country, and her son-in-law has been implicated in similar cases in the past.

Investigations have led to several arrests, and the Public Prosecution is continuing its inquiry into the two incidents.