Cybersecurity unit cracks down on coordinated smear campaigns in UAE

Dubai Police have arrested a group of individuals for allegedly posting fraudulent negative reviews on a company’s Google Maps page to cause financial and reputational damage. The arrests followed a formal complaint from the affected business, which triggered a cybersecurity investigation into the coordinated online campaign. Organised Review Fraud Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, Head of the Social Media Crimes Section at the Dubai Police e-Crimes and Cybersecurity Department, confirmed the arrests on Monday, 12 October. Investigations by the General Department of Criminal Investigation revealed that several competing commercial entities had formed groups specifically to target the victim company with fabricated reviews. The official stated that these actions led to documented financial losses for the business. Major Yasser disclosed the details during a Dubai Police Podcast episode titled A Single Word Could Become a Case. Be Careful . He warned that while freedom of expression is protected, the deliberate use of digital platforms to undermine commercial interests or damage reputations constitutes a criminal offence under UAE law. Legal Consequences for Digital Misconduct The case serves as a warning against the misuse of digital feedback systems. Major Yasser clarified that UAE legislation imposes stricter penalties for electronic crimes compared to traditional offences due to the speed and reach of digital misinformation. The Social Media Crimes Section continues to monitor…