10 Pakistani residents involved in a series of financial frauds totaling SR2.8 million have been arrested by the Makkah Region Police, it emerged on Monday.
The group orchestrated 31 fraudulent schemes centered on selling counterfeit gold bars.
In a statement, Makkah police revealed that the gang employed a deceptive tactic by showcasing genuine gold bars to gain the trust of potential victims. After convincing them of a lucrative deal, the fraudsters would eventually replace the gold with fake metal pieces resembling gold and then disappear.
The Financial Fraud Combating Unit of Public Security apprehended the gang members and referred them to the Public Prosecution after completing the necessary legal procedures.
In a separate incident, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained a 10-member gang of beggars at Karachi Airport who were attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia disguised as Umrah pilgrims. Among the group were seven women.
During questioning, the suspects failed to answer basic questions about Umrah rituals, exposing their true intent to beg in Saudi Arabia. FIA officials prevented their travel and took appropriate legal action.
