Dubai Police have arrested 22 members of an organised begging gang involved in stopping drivers on major roads across the emirate.
Police launched the operation after receiving a tip-off through the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police app.
The report alerted authorities to people approaching drivers and claiming they needed money for travel after getting stranded. Field teams started investigating the case and identified one of the suspects before tracking his movements.
The investigation found that the activity involved a coordinated group operating at several locations, including Al Khor Street, Ras Al Khor, the Bu Kadra Bridge area and the Dubai-Al Ain Road bridge.
The suspects approached drivers and appealed for money by claiming they needed to pay for travel.
After monitoring the group’s movements and gathering information, police prepared a security operation that led to the arrest of all 22 members. Authorities also started legal proceedings against them.
Dubai Police highlighted the role of residents in reporting illegal activities and said that the tip-off through the ‘Police Eye’ service helped authorities identify and track the suspects.
The force also said that begging on major roads is illegal and can put both beggars and motorists at risk, particularly when drivers stop in unsafe areas or on busy roads. Police urged the public not to respond to such requests or stop their vehicles in places that could endanger themselves or other road users.
Dubai Police also asked residents to report similar cases through the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police app, adding that reports are treated confidentially and help specialised teams respond to illegal activities.
