Dubai Police have dismantled a sophisticated fraud operation after a woman posing as a member of royalty allegedly helped steal rare oud valued at approximately $3.3 million (AED 12 million), authorities said.
According to investigators, an eight-member group convinced a luxury oud trader that a high-profile buyer was interested in purchasing his valuable collection. The trader was invited to what appeared to be a lavish palace, where elaborate security arrangements and a royal-style reception were used to build credibility and gain his trust.
Police said the suspects secretly removed the rare oud and replaced it with ordinary pieces of wood before returning the bags to the trader. The deception was discovered the following day when the businessman attempted to contact the supposed buyers and found that all phone numbers had been disconnected.
@DubaiPoliceHQ arrested eight suspects within 12 hours after they allegedly stole a rare luxury oud valued at AED 12 million. The group included a woman accused of impersonating a princess as part of the scheme. pic.twitter.com/qPI9TI6Kf8
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) May 30, 2026
The trader then reported the incident to Dubai Police, triggering an immediate investigation.
Authorities said officers recovered the stolen oud within 12 hours of launching the operation and arrested four suspects believed to be involved in the scheme.
The woman accused of posing as a princess remains at large along with three other suspects. Dubai Police have issued international notices as efforts continue to locate and arrest the remaining members of the group.
The case is the latest example of Dubai Police rapidly responding to high-value thefts involving luxury goods and valuable commodities.
