Dubai Police Arrest Asian Begging Gang Led by Overseas Ringleader

Dubai Police begging warning highlights new arrests and urges residents not to give money to street beggars.

Authorities said many beggars rely on fabricated stories to gain sympathy from residents and visitors. Officials urged the public not to be deceived by these tactics and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

The warning comes as Dubai Police intensifies its annual campaign to fight begging and protect the city’s reputation as a safe and orderly global destination.

Dubai Police Intensifies ‘Combat Begging’ Campaign

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, confirmed that Dubai Police continues its campaign titled “An Aware Society, Free of Begging.”

The campaign runs in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

According to Al Shamsi, the initiative focuses on raising community awareness and preventing organized begging. Authorities also aim to protect the UAE’s civilised image by discouraging illegal activities that exploit public kindness.

13-Member Begging Gang Arrested

Dubai Police revealed that officers arrested a gang of 13 Asian individuals involved in organized begging operations.

The group operated under the direction of a ringleader who coordinated the activity from outside the country. Members approached people with emotional stories, claiming they were stranded and urgently needed financial help.

Investigators said the suspects targeted busy locations where people are more likely to offer money. These included mosques, hospitals, clinics, markets, and public streets.

Public Urged to Report Beggars

Dubai Police urged residents and visitors not to respond to beggars and instead report such incidents to authorities.

People can report beggars through several official channels:

• Dubai Police Contact Centre at 901
• The Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app
• The official eCrime platform

Officials also encouraged the public to donate through recognized charitable organisations rather than giving money directly on the street.

“Dubai Police remains committed to fighting the scourge of begging, which tarnishes the nation’s civilized image and hides fraud behind deceptive tactics,” Brigadier Al Shamsi said.

Authorities stressed that official charity channels exist to ensure donations reach people who genuinely need assistance.