Dubai Property Scam Artist Is Wanted By Interpol

Authorities around the world have been put on alert to arrest a fugitive behind a Dhs6 million subletting scam in Dubai.

Haitham Al Kouatly is believed to have duped at least 350 tenants into handing over their cash by posing as a landlord for multiple apartments, when in reality he was subletting the properties off the rightful owners. Around 200 property owners are thought to have been affected by the scam.

Interpol has issued a ‘Red Notice’ against Al Kouatly – a Saudi national and owner of Shamyana Entertainment Services – who absconded from the UAE on August 30 after running the con for three years.

Brig Khalil Al Mansouri, head of CID at Dubai Police, said: “We have pinpointed some countries where he might be and we are coordinating with many countries, including some Arab countries.

“No arrest has been made so far, but with the Red Notice alert he will be tracked around the world and hopefully he will soon be arrested,” he added, according to The National.

Hundreds of homeowners tricked out of receiving payment for renting their properties now fear they will miss mortgage payments and could end up in jail. Al Kouatly is believed to have fleeced Dhs5.875 million from landlords and tenants.

Police have received complaints from residents in relation to the scam from Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Tecom, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Downtown and The Greens.

The alert issued by Interpol is the closet thing that exists to an international arrest warrant. The notice demands the arrest of Al Kouatly with a view to extradition.

The Dubai Municipality Rent Committee will begin hearing cases against Al Kouatly later this month while the Real Estate Regulatory Agency is investigating cases alongside the Dubai Economic Department.