A man has been detained in the capital by police for duping women into paying up to AED 70,000 a session for black magic spell casting.
The 57-year-old African pretended to possess magical supernatural abilities to solve social, health and psychological problems and in particular preyed on women seeking happiness.
A policewoman pretending to be a client seeking an end to her prolonged unhappiness trapped the man in an undercover sting operation.
Colonel Dr Rashid Mohammed Borshid, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said: “As soon as we received information confirming his involvement in acts of witchcraft and sorcery, police personnel arrested the charlatan who works as a washing machine repairman.”
He added that the undercover female police agent sought the help of the criminal, who pretended to be able to heal her emotional suffering, solve her social problems and grant her happiness, for an amount of AED 70,000 per session.
“The charlatan is used to tricking unsuspecting people, particularly gullible women, into parting with large sums of money in return for supernatural cures or solutions,” he explained.
Colonel Borshid indicated that the suspect maintained that there was nothing wrong or illegal in his services; claiming to provide cure for incurable heart diseases.
“The materials seized with the suspect are commonly used in black magic and spells, including scraps of paper and cloths containing incantations and symbols; as well as powders, incense, prayer beads, and unknown herbs.”
Colonel Borshid stressed that Abu Dhabi Police will show no tolerance towards sorcerers and charlatans, adding that officers will track down and arrest anyone involved in black magic.
Abu Dhabi Police launched a community-based initiative last May to raise awareness among UAE nationals and residents about the dangers of charlatans and urged residents to report to the authorities anyone involved in the practice of black magic.
Great efforts on your part to expose culprits like these who try to make money by showing the wrong path to innocent people. Everyone should now know that we are now living in the 21st century and it’s difficult to deceive people using those caveman’s tools. People can learn and understand things in minutes because of the online media and social networking tools. Thanks Team ADW.