UAE foils two cross-border people-smuggling operations

UAE authorities have foiled two cross-border people-smuggling operations, preventing the illegal entry of 18 individuals and stopping an attempt to smuggle a wanted foreign national out of the country.

Those involved were arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution, which is continuing its investigations.

In the first case, authorities received information about a plan to bring 18 Asian nationals into the country illegally in separate groups, with the help of a Gulf national.

After surveillance and follow-up, the suspect was arrested as he entered the country through a border crossing. He was travelling with two infiltrators and five family members, in an apparent attempt to disguise the operation as a family trip.

In the second case, authorities stopped an attempt to smuggle a foreign national out of the country to help him evade restrictions and arrest orders.

Investigations found that the operation was planned and carried out by a Gulf national woman, with the assistance of her daughter.

The woman used family travel to conceal her activities and had allegedly been involved in smuggling infiltrators out of the country on previous occasions.

Her daughter’s husband had also previously been accused in similar cases.

Authorities say the two operations highlight the vigilance and effectiveness of security forces in tackling illegal infiltration and cross-border smuggling, strengthening border security and protecting society and the rule of law.