{
  "id": 3487041,
  "title": "Oman police warn of organised begging networks exploiting vulnerable people",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/oman-police-warn-of-organised-begging-networks-exploiting-vulnerable",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T10:01:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/oman-police-warn-of-organised-begging-networks-exploiting-vulnerable-people-1.500652715"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oman's law enforcement agencies have issued a warning regarding the potential existence of organized begging networks within the country. These networks may exploit vulnerable individuals and control their activities for financial gain, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The police urge the public to report any suspected cases of begging or exploitation, rather than inadvertently supporting the practice by not reporting it. The public can submit their reports to the authorities via the dedicated hotline number 1166. The Penal Code of Oman stipulates that individuals found begging in mosques, streets, public or private areas, or shops could face up to one year in prison and a fine of RO100.\n\nThe warning comes as part of efforts to curb organized begging and safeguard those who might be targeted by exploitation networks. The ROP's statement indicates a growing concern over the issue, as it seeks to promote awareness and empower citizens to actively combat the problem.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Oman police have warned that organised networks may be behind some begging cases in the Sultanate, exploiting individuals and managing their activities for financial gain. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) said many people seen begging could be operating under networks that exploit and control them, urging the public to help combat the practice by reporting suspected cases. Get updated faster…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}