MUSCAT: Labour cases rose to 22,309 in 2025, against 12,407 in 2024, as bounced cheque cases shot to 10,482 against 9,699 the previous year, according to the Public Prosecution Department.
The Public Prosecution Department disclosed that the total caseload received over the past year (2025) amounted to 55,164, marking a 19-per cent increase from the preceding year. This reflects a rise of 13.7 per cent in felony cases and 19.6 per cent 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-per cent completion rate.
During its annual conference held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday, 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 per cent compared to 2024. Of these accused, 89.2 per cent were male, 1.6 per cent were juveniles, and 47.5 per cent were foreign nationals.
MUSCAT HIGHEST
Muscat Governorate registered the highest volume of cases at 23,748, followed by Al Batinah North Governorate with 10,744, and Dhofar Governorate with 6,179. 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. 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 offence, with 22,309 recorded crimes. This was followed by cheque bounce cases at 10,482, and breaches of the Foreigners' Residence Law at 9,493. The department also processed 54,276 cases received through electronic channels, a 19.2-per cent increase from 2024, and achieved an 82-per cent score on the Government Digital Transformation Index, reflecting a 3-per cent year-on-year improvement.
The Public Prosecution Department further detailed that judicial orders issued totalled 307,375, reflecting a 17.5-per cent increase from 2024. In contrast, formal investigation records saw a 4.8-per cent decline, settling at 79,266. Demand for public inquiry services surged remarkably by 133.6 per cent, with an 89.5-per cent fulfilment rate. The aggregate number of court verdicts rose by 4.7 per cent to reach 22,423, comprising 19,176 enforced judgements and 3,247 judgements awaiting execution.
AL AMERAT CASE
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 specialised investigators for juvenile delinquency cases, each having completed rigorous training and qualification programmes to ensure proficient management of such sensitive matters. He said 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.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Regarding the proliferation of certain behaviours on social media deemed inconsistent with authentic Omani values, traditions and public decorum, the Public Prosecutor emphasised 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 defence 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 emphasised 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.
MONEY LAUNDERING
He further disclosed that money laundering cases recorded in 2025 totalled 193. Of these, 18 are 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 offences 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.
Dr Ahmed bin Said al Shukaili, Assistant Public Prosecutor, said that pretrial detention is an exceptional measure linked strictly to investigative procedures and is only used when necessary. He noted that the Public Prosecution seeks, whenever possible, to apply alternative legal measures, including travel bans, which have seen wider use recently, depending on the nature and requirements of each case. He added that authorities strive to strike a careful balance between protecting the public interest and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
In a separate statement, Dr Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi, Assistant Public Prosecutor and official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Department, addressed procedural matters, stating: "Pre-trial detention is a principal investigative instrument, employed exclusively in circumstances of necessity to ensure the integrity of judicial proceedings. We adhere to proportionate measures that guarantee a just inquiry, refraining from unwarranted severity, particularly in such contexts." He added, citing official statistics, that a predominant majority of those engaged in begging are foreign nationals, with confiscated funds in these cases amounting to RO 100,000.
By KABEER YOUSUF & MOHAMMED AL BATTASHI
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
