Latest news with #RoyalOmanPolice
Observer
12 hours ago
- Observer
Human trafficking: ROP cites illegal organ trade by 'tourists'
On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has called on everyone to report any suspicious acts or violations that may lead to exploitation. In a release, the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations and Research said that it has monitored several cases this year that revealed the presence of organized criminal networks using various methods to ensnare victims. In one particular case, the Royal Oman Police arrested individuals of Arab and Asian nationalities who had entered the country for tourism purposes and were, in turn, promoting the transplantation of human organs outside the Sultanate of Oman, exploiting some patients in dire need of organ transplants, particularly kidney patients.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman tackles human trafficking with effective legislation
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) and relevant authorities will observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today (July 30) aligning with this year's global theme 'Organised Crime – End Exploitation', reflecting the sultanate's intensified efforts to combat human trafficking. Brig Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, said Oman has made progress in enhancing its legislative and institutional framework to tackle trafficking. 'This year's commemoration reflects the sultanate's strides in combating human trafficking by updating legislation, improving inter-agency coordination, and equipping officers with the tools and training needed to address these crimes professionally,' he stated. In conjunction with the international day, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking launched a campaign called 'Aman' to raise public awareness, encourage reporting and inform victims of their rights. Brig Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation ROP has rolled out a new system to better identify and protect trafficking victims. It includes enhanced coordination with Public Prosecution and Ministry of Social Development to ensure victims are referred to official protection centres. Personnel across agencies have been trained to recognise indications of trafficking, enabling quicker legal action and appropriate care. Brig Quraishi revealed that several cases investigated this year exposed organised criminal networks operating across borders. In one instance, individuals of Arab and Asian nationalities entered Oman on tourist visas and were found promoting illegal organ transplantation abroad. The operation targeted vulnerable patients in need of kidney transplants. He added that perpetrators also use fraudulent job advertisements to lure women abroad, only to exploit them in Oman. Confiscation of personal documents and forced work under threat are among the tactics employed. Other cases involved workers being brought in on tourist or visit visas, only to be illegally employed and pressured into paying off visa-related debts by working endless hours. A high-profile arrest this year involved a suspect wanted by Italian authorities for leading a trafficking and migrant smuggling ring to Europe. The individual was apprehended in Oman and extradited following international protocols. The operation earned recognition from law enforcement partners abroad.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar oil spill contained, cleanup underway
Salalah – Authorities in Dhofar are continuing intensive cleanup operations following an oil spill incident affecting parts of the coastline from Khor Salalah to the Hilton Hotel on Awqad Beach and the western section of Raysut Beach. Officials have confirmed that no new leaks have been detected in the impacted areas. Technical teams from the Directorate General of Environment in Dhofar, in coordination with Dhofar Municipality and other relevant agencies, are carrying out the response as per the National Response Plan. The effort includes cooperation with Port of Salalah and specialised environmental protection firms. As part of the response, inspections were conducted on nearby beaches to confirm these remain free of contamination. For public safety, access to some sections of the affected beaches was temporarily restricted, with support from Royal Oman Police. Zahran bin Ahmed al Abdelsalam, Acting Director General of Environment Directorate in Dhofar, said the rapid response helped contain the spill and limit its spread. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing for several days, restoring beach areas to their original state. He said teams are not only removing visible oil traces but also taking steps to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the ecological and economic significance of the area. Targeted surveys identified pollution hotspots, allowing for a focused response using manual and mechanical methods. Abdelsalam commended the coordinated efforts of all involved, including Dhofar Governor's Office, Royal Oman Police, military units and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, noting that joint action was critical to the effectiveness of the response. Mamdouh bin Salem al Marhoon, Director of Environmental Emergency Centre, stated that the National Oil Pollution Control Plan (Level II) was activated immediately after the incident was identified on Sunday. This facilitated rapid mobilisation of resources and streamlined coordination among stakeholders. He added that discussions are underway with regional and international bodies to determine the source of the spill and pursue legal action if necessary. Hatem bin Salem al Mahri, Acting Director of Nature Conservation Department, said field operations continue to eliminate residual pollution. Monitoring teams are assessing affected areas to ensure full recovery of the coastal environment and reduce risk of recurrence.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
No new leaks detected in oil pollution on Salalah coasts
Salalah - The competent authorities in Dhofar Governorate continue to carry out intensive field operations to address the effects of recent oil pollution observed along the coast from Khor Salalah to the Hilton Hotel on Awqad Beach, as well as the western area of Raysut Beach. Authorities have confirmed no new leaks have been detected in the affected sites. Specialized technical teams from the Directorate General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate are participating in these efforts, coordinating with Dhofar Municipality and other relevant entities. They are working to remove pollutants using approved machinery under the National Response Plan, in collaboration with Salalah Port and specialized environmental protection companies. The response has also included field inspections of nearby beaches to ensure they remain free of pollution, along with precautionary measures such as closing some access points to the affected beaches in cooperation with the Dhofar Municipality and the Royal Oman Police. These steps aim to ensure public safety and facilitate cleanup operations. Eng. Zahran Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Acting Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that the prompt response enabled teams to contain the pollution and limit its spread. He explained that intensive cleanup efforts over several days have helped restore the beaches' cleanliness. He added that the efforts are not limited to removing visible pollution but also include protecting marine and coastal ecosystems due to their environmental and economic importance. Precise surveys have been conducted to identify pollution hotspots and develop a comprehensive response plan, focusing on the most affected areas using both manual and mechanical methods. Eng. Zahran commended the effective role of all participating entities, including the Dhofar Governor's Office, Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, military sectors, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. He emphasized that this coordination has been instrumental in successfully addressing environmental pollution.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Intensive efforts exerted, no new leaks detected in oil pollution on Salalah coasts
Salalah: The competent authorities in Dhofar Governorate continue to carry out intensive field operations to address the effects of recent oil pollution observed along the coast from Khor Salalah to the Hilton Hotel on Awqad Beach, as well as the western area of Raysut Beach. Authorities have confirmed no new leaks have been detected in the affected sites. Specialised technical teams from the Directorate General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate are participating in these efforts, coordinating with Dhofar Municipality and other relevant entities. They are working to remove pollutants using approved machinery under the National Response Plan, in collaboration with Salalah Port and specialized environmental protection companies. The response has also included field inspections of nearby beaches to ensure they remain free of pollution, along with precautionary measures such as closing some access points to the affected beaches in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality and the Royal Oman Police. These steps aim to ensure public safety and facilitate cleanup operations. Eng. Zahran Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Acting Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that the prompt response enabled teams to contain the pollution and limit its spread. He explained that intensive cleanup efforts over several days have helped restore the beaches' cleanliness. He added that the efforts are not limited to removing visible pollution but also include protecting marine and coastal ecosystems due to their environmental and economic importance. Precise surveys have been conducted to identify pollution hotspots and develop a comprehensive response plan, focusing on the most affected areas using both manual and mechanical methods. Eng. Zahran commended the effective role of all participating entities, including the Dhofar Governor's Office, Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, military sectors, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. He emphasised that this coordination has been instrumental in successfully addressing the environmental pollution. For his part, Mamdouh Salim Al Marhoon, Director of the Environmental Emergency Center, explained that the National Oil Pollution Control Plan (Level II) was activated immediately after the incident was detected. This, he affirmed, accelerated the response, mobilized necessary resources, and ensured efficient coordination. He noted that communication is ongoing with relevant international and regional organizations to identify the pollution source and take necessary legal action. On his turn, Hatem Salim Al Mahri, Acting Director of the Nature Conservation Department, affirmed that field operations are ongoing to ensure the removal of any remaining traces. He added that monitoring teams continue follow-up and evaluation efforts to ensure full restoration of the coastal environment and prevent future risks.
