12-member gang robs travel agency in Abu Dhabi

Twelve men are standing trial on the charges of robbing Dh14,000 from a tour and travel office and threatening the staff by wielding knives at them.

The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court of First Instance on Tuesday heard how the Asian men, wearing masks, raided the travel office located in Musaffah a few months ago, stealing the cash and three mobile phones from the owner and his two workers at knifepoint.

The owner filed a complaint with the Musaffah police station after the robbery. He said the masked men beat him and his workers up before they fled with the money and phones.

At 9 pm that evening, the robbers entered the office when the staff were about to close for the day. "I was surprised when a gang entered into the office. Seven of the men were holding knives and the rest were carrying sticks," said the owner. "They hit me on the shoulder and beat up my workers. They also threatened us with the knives, saying they would hurt us if we didn't give them the money."

Police investigated the matter and arrested the 12 immediately, also recovering some of the money and the phones.

Prosecutors charged the Asian men with robbery and assault. The men denied the charges at their first appearance in court.