Monday 02 / February / 2026
Muscat: The Public Prosecution Department revealed that begging continues to be a persistent issue, with foreign nationals forming the predominant majority of those apprehended in such cases. Authorities confiscated OMR100,000 from individuals involved in begging activities during the year.
Dr. Rashid bin Obaid Al Kaabi, Assistant Public Prosecutor and Official Spokesperson, indicated that many of these cases are not isolated acts of poverty but are often linked to organised networks that exploit individuals for financial gain.
The Public Prosecution Department has disclosed that the total caseload received over the past year (2025) amounted to 55,164 cases, marking a 19 percent increase from the preceding year. This total reflects a rise of 13.7 percent in felony cases and 19.6 percent in misdemeanour cases. The caseload comprised 52,553 misdemeanours, 2,593 felonies, and 18 other proceedings encompassing violations and administrative complaints, culminating in a 98.4 percent completion rate.
During its annual conference held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today, the Public Prosecution Department presented a comprehensive overview of key statistics and performance indicators for the year 2025. The review detailed the volume of cases initiated, the corresponding legal measures undertaken, the demographics of the accused, judicial outcomes, and the most prevalent categories of crime.
The Public Prosecution Department further reported that the number of individuals formally accused in cases during 2025 reached 73,391, representing a significant increase of 24.7 percent compared to 2024. Of these accused, 89.2 percent were male, 1.6 percent were juveniles, and 47.5 percent were foreign nationals.
Muscat Governorate registered the highest volume of incoming cases at 23,748, followed by North Al Batinah Governorate with 10,744 cases, and Dhofar Governorate with 6,179 cases. In terms of reporting entities, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) was the primary source with 38,270 reports, followed by the Ministry of Labour with 9,198 reports. The Public Prosecution Department's own electronic services portal submitted 3,996 reports, and the Consumer Protection Authority filed 2,719 reports.
The data highlighted that violations of the Labour Law constituted the most frequent offense, with 22,309 recorded crimes. This was followed by check fraud crimes at 10,482, and breaches of the Foreigners' Residence Law at 9,493 crimes. The Department also processed 54,276 cases received through electronic channels, a 19.2 percent increase from 2024, and achieved an 82 percent score on the Government Digital Transformation Index, reflecting a 3 percent year-on-year improvement.
The Public Prosecution Department further detailed that judicial orders issued totalled 307,375, reflecting a 17.5 percent increase from 2024.
In contrast, formal investigation records saw a 4.8 percent decline, settling at 79,266. Demand for public inquiry services surged remarkably by 133.6 percent, with an 89.5 percent fulfillment rate. The aggregate number of court verdicts rose by 4.7 percent to reach 22,423, comprising 19,176 enforced judgments and 3,247 judgments awaiting execution.
Concerning the Al Amerat family case, Nasr bin Khamis Al Sawaei, the Public Prosecutor, stated that following a comprehensive review of all available information and investigative findings related to the incident, it has been determined that no person or entity bears direct or indirect responsibility for this tragic event.
He noted the appointment of 73 specialized investigators for juvenile delinquency cases, each having completed rigorous training and qualification programs to ensure proficient management of such sensitive matters. He affirmed the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression while underscoring that any expression transgressing legal boundaries or impacting public order will be subject to judicial accountability.
In a response to the Oman News Agency (ONA) regarding the proliferation of certain behaviours on social media deemed inconsistent with authentic Omani values, traditions, and public decorum, the Public Prosecutor emphasized the family's foundational role in safeguarding youth. He articulated that societal responsibility extends beyond official institutions, originating within the domain of familial oversight and sound upbringing, which serve as the primary defense against delinquency and criminal behaviour.
He clarified that prosecution records disclose a series of disquieting incidents, including cases of child harassment, multiple instances of verbal and physical aggression, and the exploitation of minors for begging or their transfer to third parties for exploitative purposes.
He emphasized that a failure to safeguard this vulnerable demographic will yield profound and enduring repercussions, potentially undermining societal cohesion and stability for decades to come. He urged against attributing such shortcomings to the notion of "personal freedom," asserting that the paramount investment—one which cannot be procured with currency—lies in the conscientious upbringing and vigilant oversight of the nation's youth.
He further disclosed that money laundering cases recorded in the past year (2025) totalled 193. Of these, 18 remain under active investigation, 126 have been formally referred to the judiciary, and 49 cases have been archived. He highlighted a persistent escalation in fraud-related offenses despite ongoing public warnings, noting that the core of this criminal activity rests upon the sale of false promises and the pursuit of illusory profits.
