Dubai: Dubai Police have arrested an eight-member criminal gang accused of fraudulently obtaining driving licences from a neighbouring country for customers who had never travelled there or completed the required driving lessons and tests, so they could subsequently exchange them for UAE driving licences under existing international licence exchange agreements.
The gang charged AED 10,000 per licence, exploiting agreements that allow eligible foreign driving licence holders to obtain UAE licences without undergoing additional training or testing.
The arrests were made by Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
How the scheme worked
Dubai Police’s Economic Crimes Department uncovered how the gang exploited legitimate arrangements allowing driving licences issued by certain countries to be exchanged for UAE licences, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
The suspects used offices belonging to transaction processing companies in the UAE to approach potential customers and promote their illegal services.
They offered to arrange driving licences from a neighbouring country without requiring customers to travel there, learn to drive or pass the mandatory tests.
Once obtained, these licences could then be presented for exchange through Dubai’s RTA, taking advantage of international agreements designed to simplify the process for eligible drivers.
The scheme effectively sought to bypass the training and testing requirements intended to ensure that drivers are qualified to use public roads safely.
A dangerous illegal shortcut
Dubai Police warned that obtaining driving licences through illegal means is not merely a violation of licensing procedures. It can pose a serious threat to road safety.
Driving lessons and examinations are essential safeguards that assess whether motorists have the skills, knowledge and ability to handle different traffic situations.
Bypassing these requirements could allow unqualified individuals to drive on public roads, putting motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk.
The force urged residents to be cautious of individuals or businesses promising driving licences without the required training, testing or legal procedures.
Customers could also face legal consequences
Dubai Police stressed that legal responsibility extends beyond those arranging fraudulent licences.
Anyone who knowingly pays for a driving licence obtained through unlawful procedures may also face penalties and legal action.
The force clarified that exchanging an illegally obtained foreign licence for a UAE licence does not make the original licence legitimate or exempt its holder from responsibility.
Completing the official exchange process cannot be used to justify or legitimise violations committed when obtaining the foreign licence.
Follow official procedures and report suspicious offers
Dubai Police reminded the public that international driving licence exchange agreements are intended to facilitate the exchange of legally issued licences that meet the relevant requirements.
These arrangements do not permit applicants to bypass the rules governing the original issuance of driving licences in their respective countries.
The force urged anyone seeking a driving licence to follow approved procedures and deal only with authorised entities.
Residents were also encouraged to report individuals or companies offering driving licences through unlawful means, helping authorities identify fraudulent activities and protect the community.
Dubai Police reaffirmed that ensuring drivers are properly trained and qualified is fundamental to road safety, and that international licence exchange arrangements must never be exploited to circumvent these essential requirements.