Sri Lankan charged with stealing multi-million dollar Dubai diamond

Jordanian manager set to present inventory reported gem missing

A Sri Lankan man has been charged with stealing a $20 million-diamond in Dubai,  Khaleej Times.

The security officer, who  worked at a Dubai International Airport free zone, sought shelter at a compatriot's dwellings after taking away the gem. The two have been detained. Another absconding Sri Lankan has been charged in absentia for smuggling the stone.



The incident transpired over May 25 and June 20.

"On May 25, [the security officer] went to his work wearing a winter coat and took the stone out of the safe and hid it under his coat. He later transported the stone to his friend's house in Hor Al Anz and arranged to ship it out of the UAE hidden in clothes. He later went to his friend's place in Hor Al Anz where they hid the stone in the latter's shoe. They then arranged to ship it with some clothes out of the UAE by express service."

"The main accused spent the next nights sleeping near the Sharjah International Airport as his work managers were calling him and asking him about the diamond," police said.

The security official was then advised to hide at the friend's place. Both men were arrested from there. Police said the security official had confessed.



A Jordanian manager set to present an inventory had reported the gem missing. CCTV footage featuring the Sri Lankan stealing the gem was obtained after. A Dubai court hearing the case will deliver a verdict in October.

This article originally appeared in Khaleej Times.