Dubai Police arrest 13 in begging gang run from abroad

Dubai Police have warned residents and visitors not to give money to beggars, following the arrest of a gang of 13 Asian nationals accused of organised begging.

Officials said the group was directed by a ringleader operating from outside the UAE and used claims of being stranded in the country to solicit money.

Police say such activities often take place near mosques, hospitals, clinics, markets and busy streets, where individuals attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity, using fabricated stories and deceptive tactics to exploit people’s compassion.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department at Dubai Police, said authorities are continuing a campaign aimed at tackling the problem. The initiative, called “Combat Begging”, is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

He urged the public not to respond to beggars and instead report incidents to police. Reports can be made through the Dubai Police contact centre on 901, the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or via the eCrime platform.

Authorities also encouraged people who want to help those in need to donate through official charitable organisations to ensure support reaches legitimate beneficiaries.