In what authorities are calling a masterclass in rapid response and investigative precision, Dubai Police thwarted an audacious $25 million pink diamond theft in less than eight hours. The rare gem, weighing approximately 21.25 carats and assessed with “Excellent” clarity, symmetry, and polish, was safely recovered and returned to its owner.
The operation—dubbed “Pink Diamond”—unfolded after a jeweler imported the gem from Europe. Thieves, masquerading as intermediaries for a wealthy buyer, cultivated trust with striking professionalism: they rented luxury vehicles, arranged meetings at upscale hotels, and even recruited a diamond expert to appraise the gem under false pretenses. Once the merchant displayed the diamond in a villa outside his secure shop, they snatched it and fled.
Undeterred, Dubai Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) activated a specialized task force. Leveraging cutting-edge surveillance and AI-powered tracking, they identified three suspects—of Asian nationality—who had attempted to smuggle the diamond abroad in a small refrigerator. All were arrested within eight hours, and the gem was recovered intact.
The diamond’s owner praised the authorities for their swift professionalism. Following the 999 emergency call, multiple patrols responded within minutes, offering timely updates. “To my surprise, the very next morning, they called to say the suspects had been arrested and the diamond recovered,” he said.
Dubai has solidified its status as a global diamond hub—thanks to stringent security, advanced law enforcement, and a zero-tolerance approach to high-value crimes. This incident adds to an extensive record of successful interventions in jewel thefts over the years.
