He was arrested on Monday while trying to con a building materials trader in New Salalah. This trader who had been duped in a similar manner earlier alerted the police and had him arrested. The conman's three accomplices however are still at large.

The shop owner said that the accomplices had offered him RO1000 to withdraw his police complaint. Incidents of cheating were being reported in Salalah since Saturday when an electronics store and a fast food outlet were targeted. The victims had then circulated CCTV images of the gang members as an alert to other traders in the city.

So far six traders from across Salalah have filed complaints about such incidents. According to shop owners who have been duped the fraudsters would pretend to buy items and usually offer an RO50 note to pay for them.

After collecting the change they would begin to voice reservations about the goods bought and demand a refund. By diverting the shopkeeper's attention they would not only take back the note but also pocket the change and escape. The ROP is looking for the other three accused.