United Arab Emirates

Dubai Police have revealed the arrest of a group of individuals accused of deliberately posting false and negative online reviews targeting a commercial company in the United Arab Emirates. The alleged campaign was intended to damage the company’s reputation and cause financial losses, raising concerns about the misuse of digital platforms.

The case was disclosed during an episode of the Dubai Police Podcast published on Monday, October 12, 2026. The episode, titled “A Single Word Could Become a Case. Be Careful,” featured Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, Head of the Social Media Crimes Section at the electronic crimes and cybersecurity department of Dubai Police.

According to the police official, the investigation began after the management of a company submitted a complaint regarding negative and allegedly false comments posted on its Google Maps business review page.

The company reported that the comments had harmed its commercial reputation and caused financial damage. Police subsequently investigated the circumstances surrounding the online activity and examined whether the reviews represented genuine customer experiences.

Investigators reportedly discovered that several commercial establishments had created groups to coordinate the publication of misleading reviews against the targeted company. The alleged activity involved deliberately posting inaccurate comments rather than independently describing legitimate customer experiences.

Dubai Police confirmed that a group of individuals had been arrested in connection with the case. However, the public announcement did not specify the total number of suspects, identify the businesses involved, or report final court judgments against those detained.

Major Yasser emphasized that freedom of expression does not provide unlimited protection for online conduct intended to harm other people or businesses. He warned that false statements, defamatory remarks, and deliberately harmful comments may lead to legal accountability under applicable UAE legislation.

The case highlights an important distinction between an honest negative review based on a real customer experience and a fabricated review intended to mislead the public or damage a competitor’s reputation. The police announcement concerned allegedly coordinated and false reviews, not ordinary customer criticism.

During the podcast, the official also discussed the legal risks associated with spreading rumors and sharing unverified information on social media. He urged internet users to check the accuracy of information before publishing or forwarding it.

The discussion additionally addressed the importance of respecting privacy. Filming individuals without their permission and publishing private images or videos can raise legal concerns, depending on the circumstances and the applicable laws.

Residents were reminded to follow official instructions during emergencies and avoid circulating material that could spread misinformation or compromise public confidence and safety. Dubai Police also encouraged greater awareness of electronic fraud and account security risks.

For expatriate residents, citizens, business owners, and social media users, the case demonstrates why online reviews should remain factual, accurate, and based on genuine experiences. Businesses affected by coordinated false reviews should preserve relevant evidence and contact the appropriate authorities.

The incident underscores the growing importance of responsible digital communication as online ratings increasingly influence consumer decisions and commercial reputations. Consumers retain the ability to share truthful experiences, while deliberately misleading or defamatory content may expose those responsible to legal action.

Source: Emarat Al Youm