Latest news with #begging
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- General
- Arabian Business
Dubai Police arrest 41 members of begging gang living in same hotel
Dubai Police arrest 41 members of a begging gang who were residing in the same hotel. Dubai Police confirmed that all gang members were individuals of Arab nationality and living in the same hotel, which they used as a base for their organised begging activities. More than AED60,000 ($16,300) was found in their possession. Dubai Police begging arrests Dubai Police reminded the public to contribute to charitable causes only through licensed associations and official channels to ensure donations reach those truly in need. The arrests were part of a targeted security operation codenamed Al Misbah (Arabic for 'prayer bead'), carried out by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena at the General Department of Criminal Investigation. This operation falls within the force's 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched under the slogan 'A Conscious Society, Free of Begging', in cooperation with strategic partners. The anti-begging drive seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of begging and promote the UAE's civilised image by preventing and combating all forms of this practice. The operation began following a report received through the 901 call centre about individuals seen begging while selling prayer beads and accessories. Upon receiving the tip-off, the Monitoring and Analysis Section began surveillance of the location and observed three Arab individuals selling these items and asking for money from the public. They were arrested on the spot and during questioning, the suspects confessed to being part of a larger organised begging ring. They had entered the UAE on visit visas and were residing in a hotel. In coordination with hotel management, 28 suspects of the same nationality were arrested. The following day, 10 more were apprehended as they attempted to leave the hotel. All admitted to operating as an organised group for begging and were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action. Dubai Police affirmed that the 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched annually in coordination with strategic partners, continues to effectively reduce the number of beggars yearly, thanks to the strict measures enforced against offenders. The force noted that a comprehensive annual security plan is implemented to combat begging, including increased patrols in areas where such activity is likely to occur. Dubai Police also monitor the evolving methods used by beggars to develop proactive strategies to counter them. The force warned that beggars often exploit religious occasions and holidays to provoke sympathy through professional and deceitful means—an act considered a criminal offence under UAE law. The force also urged community members to report any begging activity by calling the toll-free number 901, using the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging via the E-Crime platform.
The National
3 days ago
- General
- The National
Dubai Police arrest gang of 41 living in hotel on suspicion of begging
Police in Dubai have arrested a gang of 41 people living in a hotel in the emirate, suspected of running a begging operation. The gang were found with Dh60,000 in their possession and were selling prayer beads and other accessories to supplement their takings, police in the emirate said. Those arrested all entered the UAE on visit visas, authorities added. 'They were living in a hotel. We arrested them and seized Dh60,000 in their possession,' Dubai Police said on Friday. Officers responded to a tip-off that beggars were selling prayer beads and accessories in the street. It is not allowed to sell goods on the street without a permit. 'A team of officers went to the area and saw three beggars selling the items and begging for money. They were arrested," added police. The trio then told police they were part of a gang using a hotel as their headquarters. This led to a co-ordinated operation with the hotel that led to the arrest of 28 people during a raid. 'Another 10 members were arrested on the second day while they were trying to leave the hotel,' the police said. 'The anti-begging campaign is reducing the number of beggars in the emirate. Our plan includes increased police patrols in neighbourhoods, near mosques and markets.' Begging typically increases during Ramadan or Eid holidays with offenders seeking to exploit the generous spirit on show during these days. Police have targeted begging hotspots across the city to protect the public from begging, which they say is often linked to criminal activity. Begging is illegal in the UAE and is punishable by up to three months in jail and fines of Dh5,000. Criminal gang members involved in organised begging can receive minimum jail terms of six months and fines of Dh10,000. Dubai Police arrested 384 beggars last year, and 499 in 2023. About 2,085 beggars have been arrested over the past five years in the emirate, official figures show.
Emirates 24/7
3 days ago
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Police Arrest Organised Begging Ring of 41 Suspects Residing in Hotel
Dubai Police has reminded the public to contribute to charitable causes only through licensed associations and official channels to ensure donations reach those truly in need. The force also urged community members to report any begging activity by calling the toll-free number 901, using the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging via the E-Crime platform ( ) . This reminder follows the arrest of 41 individuals of Arab nationality who were residing in a hotel. The arrests were part of a targeted security operation codenamed Al-Misbah (Arabic for 'prayer bead'), carried out by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena at the General Department of Criminal Investigation. Dubai Police confirmed that all gang members were living in the same hotel, which they used as a base for their organised begging activities. More than AED 60,000 was found in their possession . This operation falls within the force's 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched under the slogan 'A Conscious Society, Free of Begging', in cooperation with strategic partners. The anti-begging drive seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of begging and promote the UAE's civilised image by preventing and combating all forms of this practice . Case Details The operation began following a report received through the 901 call centre about individuals seen begging while selling prayer beads and accessories . Upon receiving the tip-off, the Monitoring and Analysis Section began surveillance of the location and observed three Arab individuals selling these items and asking for money from the public. They were arrested on the spot. During questioning, the suspects confessed to being part of a larger organised begging ring. They had entered the UAE on visit visas and were residing in a hotel . In coordination with hotel management, 28 suspects of the same nationality were arrested. The following day, 10 more were apprehended as they attempted to leave the hotel. All admitted to operating as an organised group for begging and were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action . Intensified Patrols and Preventive Plans Dubai Police affirmed that the 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched annually in coordination with strategic partners, continues to effectively reduce the number of beggars yearly, thanks to the strict measures enforced against offenders . The force noted that a comprehensive annual security plan is implemented to combat begging, including increased patrols in areas where such activity is likely to occur . Dubai Police also monitor the evolving methods used by beggars to develop proactive strategies to counter them. The force warned that beggars often exploit religious occasions and holidays to provoke sympathy through professional and deceitful means—an act considered a criminal offence under UAE law . Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 41 tourists arrested for running organised begging ring out of hotel
Dubai authorities arrested 41 individuals of Arab nationality who carried out organised begging activities. They had entered the UAE on visit visas and were residing in a hotel they used as their base. More than Dh60,000 was found in their possession. The arrests were part of a targeted security operation codenamed Al-Misbah (Arabic for 'prayer bead'), carried out by Dubai Police. The operation began following a report received through the 901 call centre about individuals seen begging while selling prayer beads and accessories.
CBC
4 days ago
- General
- CBC
Is a hotel turned shelter a problem, or part of the solution?
On Main Street in Corner Brook, Mayor Jim Parsons says more people are begging for change, and there's more petty crime. He says the issue is the location of an emergency shelter in the old Hotel Corner Brook. But advocates and residents say there's nowhere else to go. The CBC's Colleen Connors explains.
