Muscat – Many individuals engaged in begging are controlled and exploited by hidden criminal networks that manage their activities.

These organised groups take advantage of vulnerable people for illegal gains, making public participation crucial to uncovering and stopping these operations.

Authorities emphasise that community support plays a vital role in protecting victims and ending this cycle of exploitation. Residents and citizens are strongly encouraged to act responsibly by reporting any instances of begging or suspected exploitation to the dedicated emergency number 1166.