Syrians arrested in Somalia for stealing gold

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Police in Somalia have arrested four people for allegedly stealing gold, officials said, noting that those in custody are Syrian nationals which could trigger tough debate and potentially affect relations between the two countries.

According to state media, the four were arrested in Qardho in the northern state of Puntland, which has lately been used as a gateway for illegal entry to the country. They stole 940 grams of gold from Mogadishu, officials said.

After stealing, police said, the four fled from Mogadishu to Qardho where they were arrested. They are set to be arraigned in court to answer charges regarding the crime, but they are yet to be produced in court.

"Somalia's Puntland State Police have arrested 4 Syrian nationals accused of stealing 940 grams of gold from
Mogadishu and fleeing," state media reported without giving much details on the same.

The suspects include Abdikarin Ahmed Almuhamed, Jamila Qasi Yusuf, Abdalla Abdikarim Ahmed, and Malay Abdikarim Ahmed. The four are legible to access legal services in line with the constitution of the country.

Foreigners have been sneaking into Somalia without getting valid clearance, risking infiltration by foreign nationals who could be promoting smuggling and theft. Police, however, are on high alert to protect borders.

The country is fighting for stability with Al-Shabab militants causing chaos. Some of the leading Al-Shabaab coordinators are foreign nationals, who sneak into the country to offer training to violent extremist groups.

GAROWE ONLINE