{
  "id": 14968847,
  "title": "Dubai Police arrest eight over alleged illegal driving licence scam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/dubai-police-arrest-eight-over-alleged-illegal-driving-licence-scam-14968847",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:28:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/16/dubai-police-fake-international-driving-licence-gang-arrest/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai Police have apprehended eight individuals suspected of operating a scheme to distribute driving licences illicitly, according to reports. These licences, once acquired for a fee of Dh10,000 ($2,720), enabled buyers to bypass the mandatory training and exams required by UAE law. The suspects reportedly procured the licences from neighboring countries, facilitating the UAE's international driving licence exchange program. Dubai Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), conducted the arrests. The individuals allegedly utilized offices of transaction-processing companies within the UAE to target prospective customers and promote their services. Customers received licences from neighboring nations without the necessity of traveling there, undergoing driving lessons, or passing required tests. These licences could subsequently be exchanged with Dubai's RTA under international agreements between the UAE and other countries. Dubai Police emphasized that obtaining driving lessons and passing tests are essential to ensure drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge for safe operation. Allowing unqualified individuals to drive may endanger other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Those who purchase licences acquired through illegal means could face penalties and legal consequences. Additionally, the exchange of fraudulently obtained international licences for UAE licences does not legitimize the original licence or absolve the individual of any wrongdoing. Dubai Police encourages all individuals to follow official procedures when seeking a driving licence and to only engage with authorized entities. Residents are also encouraged to report any individuals or companies offering licences through unlawful means to the authorities.",
  "summary": "Dubai Police have arrested eight people suspected of running a network that allegedly supplied people with driving licences, the recipients of which could then bypass the usual training and tests involved to get behind the wheel on UAE roads. For Dh10,000 ($2,720), the suspects would procure a driving licence from a neighbouring country for customers who had never travelled there. This allowed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Police raid criminal hideout, arrest suspected drug dealer, recover cable wires in Uyo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/police-raid-criminal-hideout-arrest-suspected-drug-dealer-recover",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:48:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Dubai Police arrest eight over alleged illegal driving licence scam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/dubai-police-arrest-eight-over-alleged-illegal-driving-licence-scam",
        "published": "2026-10-16T13:28:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}