Dubai Police warns against unlicensed massage centres

via Twitter (@Luis_Apacible)

The Dubai Police General Command has warned the public against seeking services from unlicensed massage centres, which pose serious threats, including falling victim to extortionists.

Brigadier Abdullah Khadem Suroor Al Maasem, Director of the Bur Dubai Police Station and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Police Stations, confirmed that Dubai Police has launched several campaigns to combat the activity by raising public awareness of the centres' harmful services, tracking down locations and operators of such unlicensed businesses, as well as arresting distributors of massage cards on vehicles.

Brigadier Al Maasem said Dubai Police's efforts over the last year, until the first quarter of the current year, have resulted in disconnecting the services of 919 phone numbers found on these cards, seizing 5,900,000 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,” Brigadier Al Maasem revealed.

The Bur Dubai Police Station director explained that this year, they distributed 600 awareness brochures to real estate companies and have sent (SMS) messages. He noted that their awareness campaign has benefited 8007 companies and reached 53,816 of their employees.

Brig. Al Maasem reaffirmed that ensuring public safety is a shared responsibility between the 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 promotors," he urged.

Brigadier 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 simply contacting the concerned authorities.

More from Local

  • UAE President calls for Gaza ceasefire at Arab-China summit

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the tenth session of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Thursday, stressing the need for Arab-Chinese cooperation, alongside international efforts, to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

  • Dubai Press Club launches Arab Podcast Programme

    Dubai Press Club has launched a new podcast initiative following a groundbreaking report released at the Arab Media Forum.

  • UN needs to act on Gaza ceasefire, UAE says

    The UAE has called on the United Nations to act on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with the UN Security Council, where His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN said taking action has been "very late".

  • UAE leaders pay tribute to Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba

    UAE leaders have paid their respects following the death of prominent Emirati Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba, who served as President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1971 and held various government roles during his life.

  • UAE demands Gaza action at Foreign Affairs Council

    Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the European Union has called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza during the latest Foreign Affairs Council session in Brussels.

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Entertainment Extra

    1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.