Saturday 08 May 2010 :
ADP recovers 33 old coins dug up at "Al Bahrani" Island
ADP has revealed seizure and recovery of smuggled antiques which form part of Abu Dhabi Emirate history. The antiques date back to various eras. They were dug up without permit 20 years ago in "Halat Al Bahrani" Island.
The antiques are 33 metal coins of different sizes and shapes. They were minted on different dates in a number of the country's Emirates. Some of them date back to Constantinople (Capital of the Byzantine Empire) and different Arab and European countries. Some of them do not show the date or place of minting.
Colonel Hamad Ahmed Al Hamadi, Director of ADP CID, who has revealed the incident, said "The antique coins were in possession of a Syrian investor, identified as (Aa.J.Y.), for almost 20 years. During that period the coins were hidden illegally by his friend, Sweden of Syrian descent living outside the country, identified as (Y.J.N.). He had dug them up without permit during his work on an off shore drilling rig at "Halat Bahrani" Island, within the maritime boundaries of Abu Dhabi Emirate".
Colonel Al Hamadi said "The Department has received a report from Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage informing us that the latter has received a note form the UAE embassy to Stockholm, Sweden about initiation of criminal investigations, seizure and recovery of a set of rare antique coins to Abu Dhabi Emirate. They have affirmed the antique pieces, according to archeologists, are a very important treasure and should be returned back to its home land. This is the case".
Colonel (Dr.) Rashid Mohammad Bu Rasheed, Head of Organized Crime section at ADP CID has detailed the incident as follows "The report has stated that the antique coins are in the possession of the investor, 69. The report includes a complaint from his friend who lives in Sweden, 66, stating that he has lost a valuable trust which he deposited with his friend during his work on a drilling rig at Halat Al Bahrani Island in Abu Dhabi (20 years ago)".
"A specialized working team has been formed to investigate the matter. They nabbed the suspect (The investor) who has admitted that the antique pieces and another pieces of sea shells are in his possession. He knows the complainant since they were kids in Syria. Their relationship continued after his arrival in the UAE in 1975. 20 years ago his friend (Y.Hh.N.) deposited with him a plastic bag containing sea shells and old coins. He asked him to keep them with him, without telling him where he found them. Then he asked for his deposited trust after a family differences and heated argument erupted between them, 8 years ago. He could not hand the deposited trust due to lack of relationship and he became occupied with other things", added Colonel Bu Rasheed.
"The police has forwarded the suspect file to the Public Prosecution. Legal actions are now being taken regarding the antique coins", said Colonel Bu Rasheed.
The Head of Organized Crime Section at ADP CID urged the community members to report any illegal behaviors, on the spot. Thus culprits can easily be nabbed in a record time, in order to safeguard the country gains.