Dubai Police have arrested individuals who posted fake reviews on a company's Google Maps page to damage its reputation and cause financial losses, a senior police official said.

Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Section at Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the case came to light after the company's management filed a complaint with the police. Investigations revealed that certain commercial shops formed groups to post false comments about the company, causing financial losses, he said.

The case was discussed during an episode of the Dubai Police Podcast titled "A Single Word Could Become a Case. Be Careful", released on Monday across digital platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Radio host Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hammadi presented the episode, which the Security Media Department at Dubai Police produced. Speaking about the impact of online comments, Major Yasser stressed that freedom of expression has limits and that social media must not be used to harm individuals, businesses or their interests.

The police official also warned social media users against spreading or resharing rumours, urging the public to rely on official authorities and trusted sources when seeking information.

Cybercrimes are a global concern and are not limited to the UAE, he said, describing electronic crimes as unlawful acts committed through social media and other digital platforms. These include insults, threats, spreading rumors, electronic fraud and hacking social media accounts.

He urged users to verify information before sharing it, particularly when it concerns public safety or developments that could affect the wider community.

(Source: Khaleej Times)