Oman arrests six expats in social media blackmail scam

Suspects posed as young woman, lured victim into romance scam, defraud him of SR200,000

Last updated: September 22, 2025 | 06:01

1 MIN READ

The Royal Oman Police urged residents to remain vigilant against online scams and to report suspicious activity. Illustrative image.

IANS

Dubai: Police in Oman’s AD Dakhiliyah Governorate have arrested six Arab nationals accused of orchestrating a romance scam and blackmailing a victim through social media, Royal Oman Police said in a statement on its X account.

According to police, the suspects impersonated a young woman online, luring the victim into believing he was in a romantic relationship. They then claimed the woman had been abused by her family and pressured the victim to provide financial support.

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Investigators said he was ultimately defrauded of more than 200,000 Omani rials, or roughly $520,000.

The six suspects were taken into custody, and legal proceedings are under way, officials said.

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The Royal Oman Police urged residents to remain vigilant against online scams and to report suspicious activity, stressing that fraud through social platforms remains a growing threat in the region.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.