Woman beggar using witchcraft arrested in Dubai

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Police apprehended an Asian female beggar with the possession of witchcraft talismans that she believed would help her influence individuals to give her money.

The woman's arrest took place as part of the “Combat Begging” anti-begging campaign, which the Dubai Police launched in collaboration with strategic partners.

The primary objective of this campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the nation's civilised image by combating and preventing the crime of begging.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigation, disclosed that the female beggar was apprehended in a residential area with “papers, tools, witchcraft talismans, and a magic veil” in her possession.

The beggar believed that these items would aid her in influencing individuals to give her money.

Al Shamsi further emphasised that the arrest was facilitated through the cooperation of a community member who promptly reported the individual to the Command and Control Centre of the General Department of Operations.

Al Shamsi urged community members to refrain from sympathising with beggars or providing them with money.

He emphasised the importance of not falling victims to beggars’ schemes that aim to manipulate people's emotions during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He further explained that these methods often involve fabricated stories and deceptive tactics commonly employed near mosque entrances, clinics, hospitals, markets, and streets.

Al Shamsi urged the community to support the campaign by promptly reporting beggars by contacting the toll-free number 901 or through the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police smart app, and to report cyber beggars thought the e-Crime platform (www.ecrime.ae).