Dubai Police make 879 arrests over unlicensed massage centres

Dubai: Dubai Police on Sunday warned the public against seeking services from unlicensed massage centres, which “pose serious threats to whoever seeks their services”, including falling victim to extortionists.

Brig Al Maasem said Dubai Police’s efforts over the last year until the first quarter of the this year have resulted in disconnecting services of 919 phone numbers found on these cards, seizing 5.9 million massage cards, arresting 879 violators, of which 588 were charged for violating public morals and 309 for printing and distributing massage cards.

“Being a front for illegal and criminal activities, unlicensed massage centres deceive victims through fake social media accounts. Once the victim arrives, they found themselves surrounded by a group of African nationals who drag them to an apartment and tie them up to take indecent pictures of them for blackmail,” Brig Al Maasem revealed.

The Bur Dubai Police Station director added that this year, they distributed 600 awareness brochures to real estate companies and have also sent text messages. He said the awareness campaign has benefited 8,007 companies and reached 53,816 of their employees.

Brig Al Maasem reaffirmed that ensuring public safety is a shared responsibility between Dubai Police and community members.

“Dial 901 or use ‘Police Eye’ service via Dubai Police smart app to report any suspicious, shady and illegal activities, including these unlicensed centres and their promoters,” he urged.

Brig Al Maasem further noted that licensed massage centres are registered on Dubai Economic and Tourism, and whoever wishes to seek their services can verify that by contacting the concerned entities.