Cops rescue 35 people trafficked for begging ahead of Ramadan

SHARJAH — The Sharjah Police have rescued 35 people, including 14 people of determination, who were smuggled into the country for begging during the holy month of Ramadan.

A number of Asian gangs were involved in the human trafficking and they have been referred to the public prosecution, according to the police.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Col. Ibrahim Al Ajill, director of criminal investigations department (CID) at the Sharjah Police, said that the criminal investigation department (CID), in coordination with residential patrols, has intensified the crackdown on the illegal phenomenon that usually appears before and during Ramadan.

The victims, brought by the gangs from their home countries, were lodged at the Abu Dhabi Human Trafficking Centre, the only institution in the UAE specialised in rehabilitating victims of human trafficking crimes and providing them with health and psychological care.

During the interrogation, the suspects confessed that they had gathered people with disabilities from different parts of their home country, including a large number of amputees or mute to use them for begging in the UAE.

Col. Al Ajill told Khaleej Times that the police located the hideouts of the gang and found the victims there in very bad health condition after receiving an information about the activities of the gang.

From April 1, the service of Sanad patrols in various parts of the emirate have been increased to arrest the beggars.

During interrogation, they informed the police that they were brought to the UAE by some gangs who provide them visas, air ticket and even accommodation. According to them, the gangs collect the money from the beggars and give them 10 per cent of the amount they gather every day.