Dubai: Dubai Police have arrested a group of individuals accused of posting fake negative reviews on a company’s Google Maps page to damage its reputation and cause financial losses, a senior police official has said.
Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Section at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the case came to light after the company’s management filed a complaint.
Investigations reportedly found that certain commercial shops had formed groups to publish false comments about the company, resulting in financial losses.
Dubai Police Warn Against Misusing Social Media
The case was discussed in an episode of the Dubai Police Podcast titled “A Single Word Could Become a Case. Be Careful”, released on Monday across digital platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Presented by radio host Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the episode was produced by Dubai Police’s Security Media Department.
Major Yasser stressed that freedom of expression has limits and that social media must not be used to harm individuals, businesses or their interests.
Sharing Rumours Online Can Lead to Legal Action
The police official also warned residents against spreading or resharing rumours, urging them to rely on official authorities and trusted sources for information.
He said cybercrime is a global concern and includes unlawful activities carried out through social media and other digital platforms, such as insults, threats, spreading rumours, electronic fraud and hacking social media accounts.
Major Yasser urged users to verify information before sharing it, particularly when it relates to public safety or developments that could affect the wider community.
Filming People Without Permission
Major Yasser also highlighted the potential legal consequences of filming other people without their consent.
He explained that a person could face legal accountability if the individual filmed files a criminal complaint.
During emergencies and sensitive situations, residents should follow official instructions and avoid publishing private photographs or videos that could fuel rumours or undermine community security.
Dubai Police Urge Residents to Protect Social Media Accounts
The podcast episode also outlined the responsibilities of Dubai Police’s Social Media Crimes Section in addressing digital offences and explained why penalties for electronic crimes may be stricter than those for offences committed in the physical world.
Major Yasser called on the public to strengthen their digital awareness, avoid circulating unverified information and videos, follow official instructions during emergencies and protect their social media accounts against fraud.
Residents seeking guidance on emerging online scams and digital threats can also visit Dubai Police’s eCrime Hub awareness platform for information on recognising risks and improving online security.
