Up to 6 months in jail: Dubai Police warn of begging scams as Ramadan approaches
Dubai Police has launched its annual 'Combat Begging' initiative in anticipation of Ramadan. With 384 beggars apprehended in 2024, authorities are alerting the public about begging scams that take advantage of the season's generosity.
According to police, "ninety-nine per cent of the beggars arrested view begging as a 'profession.'"
Many violators employ misleading tactics, such as exploiting children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities to gain sympathy; pretending to be ill or injured to request donations; or wrongfully claiming to raise funds for mosques or medical expenses.
The campaign seeks to address both individual and organised begging, enhance community awareness, and encourage donations solely through official and trusted charitable organisations. Over the last five years, a total of 2,085 beggars have been arrested.
The 'fight begging' campaign targets both traditional and online begging, focusing on street begging near mosques, markets, and gatherings, as well as digital scams involving fraudulent crowdfunding requests for 'medical emergencies' or 'mosque construction projects' abroad.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the Anti-Social Crimes Department at Dubai Police, emphasised that donations should only be made through recognised charity organisations to ensure that funds reach legitimate beneficiaries.
Authorities have also noted that these offenders are often found in residential and commercial areas, as well as places of worship, alongside street vendors who employ various tactics to elicit sympathy. The public is urged to report any suspicious begging activities.
In the UAE, begging is a crime punishable by a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Those involved in organising begging rings or recruiting individuals from outside the country to solicit alms can face a six-month prison term and a Dh100,000 fine. Additionally, raising funds without a permit can result in fines of up to Dh500,000.
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