Dubai Police Cuts Fraud and Cybercrime, Axes 103 Fake Social Media Accounts in Q2

Proactive policing, AI-driven investigations and public awareness deliver measurable results as the emirate aligns with global best practices in digital crime prevention
Dubai Police has recorded a clear decline in fraud, cybercrime and economic crime during the first half of 2026, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, advanced technology and coordinated prevention strategies. The results were presented at a performance evaluation meeting chaired by Major General Hareb Mohammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, who reviewed the General Department of Criminal Investigation’s second-quarter achievements.
Overview
Officials reported that key crime indicators improved compared with the same period last year. The drop was attributed to integrated field operations, proactive investigations, specialised unit coordination and sustained public awareness campaigns that educate residents about evolving scam tactics.
Anti-Fraud Centre
A central success came from the Anti-Fraud Centre. In the second quarter alone, Dubai Police shut down 103 fraudulent social media accounts used to target the public with increasingly sophisticated online scams. The move forms part of a broader effort to disrupt criminal misuse of digital platforms before victims are harmed.
Technology and Innovation
Major General Al Shamsi highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in analysing crime data, supporting investigations and enabling a shift from reactive response to anticipation and prevention. Smart transformation projects and specialised teams further strengthened operational readiness, with field results in the second quarter compared favourably against the first.
“These positive results reflect the efficiency of Dubai Police’s security system and the dedication of our specialised teams,” Major General Al Shamsi said.
He stressed that the gains stem from targeted operations, continuous awareness work and the effective integration of modern technologies. Looking ahead, he said the force will continue investing in advanced tools, specialised talent and data-driven analysis to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Partnership and Vigilance
He also emphasised that tackling fraud and cybercrime requires partnership. Law enforcement, community members and public and private sector institutions must work together. Residents were urged to remain vigilant, never share personal or banking details with untrusted parties, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Impact
The performance review concluded with recognition of the professionalism and commitment of Criminal Investigation personnel. Officials described the second-quarter outcomes as strong motivation to keep raising operational standards, reinforcing security and contributing to quality of life across Dubai.
Global Context
Dubai’s approach, combining technology, intelligence, rapid account disruption and public education, mirrors elements of international best practice in digital crime prevention. Many leading police forces worldwide increasingly prioritise proactive disruption of online fraud infrastructure, AI-assisted threat detection and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The emirate’s measurable reduction in priority crime categories and its decisive action against fraudulent social media accounts offer a concrete local illustration of those global principles in action.
As cyber-enabled fraud continues to evolve globally, Dubai Police’s second-quarter results demonstrate that sustained investment in people, technology and prevention can deliver tangible public safety gains.