159 beggers arrested, as Abu Dhabi Police Crackdown

UAE: A senior official said that when interrogated, they admitted that they were brought to the UAE by some gangs.

“The gangs provide them visas, air ticket and even give them accommodation. But those who are ‘in the field’ will have to give whatever they earn to the gang. The beggars will get a mere 10 per cent of their earnings,” the officer said.

The police have started intensified inspection campaigns after receiving complaints about beggars pestering residents with their sad stories. “With the UAE experiencing cooler weather, the number of beggars is high as they can easily walk around.”

According to the police investigation, most of the beggars are brought into the UAE by Arab and Asian gangs.

“The gangs exploit the philanthropic attitude and generosity of the people of the UAE to make easy money by using poor people of some Asian and Arab countries,” he said.

The official urged people not to sympathise with the beggars’ stories or give money to them. He called on the public to cooperate with the police and report any begging activities by dialling 999.

“Those who are in real need of help can approach registered charity organisations,” he added.