Unauthorised fund raisers could be deported

Dubai’s acting police commander warned on Thursday that persons raising funds without official permission will face jail and could be deported, saying that such activities amount to embezzlement and fraud.

Major General Khamis Matar Al Mazinah said he was reacting to growing fund raising activities through the media and social networks with the aim of helping patients and poor persons in the UAE and other countries.

“These are illegal activities…any person or party found to be raising fund for any purpose will be prosecuted on fraud and swindling charges,” Mazinha told the Dubai-based Arabic language daily Albayan.

“There are many authorized charity groups in the UAE…any person, whether en Emirati or expatriate, can resort to these groups for help in treatment expenses or school fees…these are legal charity means as the UAE does not grant licences or permissions for individuals to raise funds…those caught involved in such activities will be jailed and could be deported.”

Mazinah said the UAE is a key aid provider to individuals, establishments and governments worldwide, adding that persons in need must resort to authorized local organizations.

“These organizations are ready to give the required assistance within their capabilities…I advise any person in need to go through these organizations to avoid being prosecuted,” he said.

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