A British man, William Treeby, 26, was fatally stabbed in his Dubai apartment allegedly by an influencer he met online, Brooke George, 23. George claims she acted in self-defense after Treeby allegedly confiscated her passport and assaulted her. She was arrested while attempting to leave the United Arab Emirates.
This incident represents a second profound tragedy for Treeby's family. His father, Jack Treeby, 43, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2009, orchestrated by his own brother and two nephews following a property dispute. The relatives were convicted of murder for the attack, which occurred shortly after Christmas near Maidstone.
William Treeby's mother, Karen, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, stating, "My darling son, I'm broken. Rest in forever peace, my Bill. You will be so missed and loved by us all. We will never forget you and will keep your memory alive always." His sister, Esther, also shared her grief, calling him her "best friend."
According to Detained in Dubai, a human rights group supporting George, she met Treeby during a trip to Dubai in May. She alleges that on a subsequent visit in June, Treeby became controlling, took her passport, and assaulted her when she asked for it back. George claims she was punched in the face before grabbing a kitchen knife. Her family states she was "absolutely terrified" and "desperate to get home."
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, is representing George and has raised concerns about her welfare and potential treatment under UAE law, suggesting she could face the death penalty. Stirling asserts that authorities should consider George a domestic violence survivor during the investigation.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed they are in contact with a British woman detained in the UAE and are providing support to her family and liaising with local authorities. Stirling has called for UAE authorities to examine all of Treeby's communications and devices to identify potential other victims. The group also highlights a pattern of young women allegedly being lured to Dubai with promises of luxury and romance, only to face exploitation and violence.