Dubai Police arrested individuals from competing businesses for posting fake Google reviews to damage a company’s reputation, causing significant financial losses.
DUBAI: Dubai Police have arrested a group of individuals accused of posting fake Google reviews against a company in an alleged coordinated attempt to damage its reputation and cause financial losses.
The arrests followed a complaint from the affected company’s management, which raised concerns about negative comments appearing on its Google Maps listing. Investigations revealed that several commercial establishments had allegedly formed groups to publish misleading reviews targeting the business.
The case was disclosed on October 12, 2026, during an episode of the Dubai Police Podcast.
How did Dubai Police uncover the review campaign?
Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Section at Dubai Police, explained that investigators examined the complaint and identified individuals allegedly involved in publishing the negative comments.
According to police, some reviewers had never visited the company’s premises, raising concerns about the authenticity of their claims.
Investigators traced the accounts involved and identified those responsible. The suspects were subsequently arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution.
The authorities said the coordinated activity had caused financial losses to the targeted company, although the precise amount was not disclosed.
When can a negative Google review become a legal issue?
Dubai Police stressed that customers can express genuine opinions about products and services. However, deliberately publishing false information to harm another person’s or company’s reputation can result in legal consequences.
The distinction is particularly important for businesses that depend on customer ratings to attract new clients.
A genuine complaint based on an actual experience is different from a coordinated effort to manipulate public perceptions through fabricated comments.
The case demonstrates how fake Google reviews can become more than a reputational problem when they are deliberately used to inflict commercial harm.
Dubai Police warn against online rumours
During the podcast discussion, Major Yasser also warned residents about sharing unverified information, spreading rumours and publishing material that could harm others.
He highlighted the importance of responsible online communication and cautioned that anonymous or misleading accounts do not necessarily protect individuals from investigation.
Dubai Police encouraged residents to verify information before sharing it and use trusted sources, particularly when circulating content involving businesses, individuals or public safety.
The authorities also highlighted the importance of protecting social media accounts against digital fraud and other emerging online threats.
Impact to expect
The arrests may encourage UAE businesses to monitor online reviews and report manipulation, while reminding customers to verify ratings. The case highlights the importance of genuine feedback and the legal risks of misleading online content.
