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Public Prosecution reports 22.5% rise in cases in 2024

4 Feb 2025

Muscat – The Public Prosecution recorded a 22.5% increase in cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a total of 46,359 cases handled. These include 43,957 misdemeanours, 2,281 felonies, and 121 violations and administrative complaints, according to Public Prosecutor Nasr bin Khamis al Sawai.

Speaking during the annual Public Prosecution conference on Tuesday, held under the theme ‘Sense of Procedural Fairness’, Sawai noted that despite the increase in cases, resolution rate improved to 97.9%. The number of defendants rose to 58,858, marking a 23.5% increase from 2023. Among these, 89.2% were male, 1.8% minors and 46.8% foreign nationals.

Muscat governorate reported the highest number of cases – 20,852 – followed by North Batinah – 7,500 – and Dhofar – 4,457. Most cases were referred by Royal Oman Police (32,856), while 5,757 cases were submitted through the Public Prosecution’s electronic services portal and 4,142 came from Ministry of Labour.

Labour law violations were the most common transgressions in 2024, with 12,407 cases, followed by cheque-related offences (9,699), violation of foreign residency laws (9,154), fraud (5,343), and theft and extortion (4,002).

Public Prosecutor Nasr bin Khamis al Sawai

The number of court rulings issued in 2024 was 21,414, a 20.1% increase from 2023. Of these, 17,547 rulings were executed, reflecting a 13% rise year-on-year. The number of cases handled electronically grew 24%, with 45,538 cases processed. Additionally, 261,650 judicial orders were issued and 83,305 investigations  conducted.

Dr Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi, Assistant Public Prosecutor, reported an increase in crimes against children last year, with 1,325 cases, including harassment, indecent assault and various forms of violence.

Public fund misuse

Addressing cases involving public funds, Sawai said 32 rulings related to the misuse of public funds were passed in 2024. Cases referred in 2023 were also addressed, with rulings in 25% of these. Fines amounted to RO1.43mn, while recovered and confiscated funds totalled RO15.4mn, bringing the overall amount to RO16.8mn. The total number of public fund and money laundering cases in 2024 was 192, including 33 felonies and 159 misdemeanours. Additionally, 132 cases of cheque-related crimes and fraud were reported.

Social media monitoring

Sawai announced the appointment of 73 public prosecutors specialising in juvenile cases across various governorates, with plans to increase this number in the near future.

He also highlighted efforts to monitor social media platforms to protect national unity. “Rulings have been issued against individuals undermining national unity on social media,” he said, adding that much of the content on these platforms is fabricated.

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