OMAN

Fighting organized crime in Oman

Oman's strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East and Africa makes the country attractive to organized crime groups wishing to carry out smuggling operations into the region, or to cross it on their way to other continents. As a result, its priority crime areas of concern include trafficking in drugs, firearms, people and fake goods, as well as cybercrime.

The international characteristics of these crimes and their links with crime networks around the world make the role of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Oman fundamental to maintaining national and regional security.

INTERPOL in Oman

Staffed by 15 men and women, NCB Oman is part of the Criminal Intelligence Department at the Muscat Police headquarters. The Head of NCB reports directly to the Inspector General of Police and Customs.

By providing globally-sourced intelligence about regional crime, the NCB helps police officers across Oman to detect and investigate the flow of illicit goods along trafficking routes in and around the country. It plays a central role in preventing the country and surrounding region from serving international organized crime.

The Royal Oman Police works through the NCB to cooperate with police forces across the world in investigating crime and bringing criminals to justice. The NCB regularly takes part in INTERPOL-led police operations in the region.

Law enforcement in Oman

Headquartered in the capital Muscat, the Royal Oman Police is the national police force of the Sultanate of Oman.

Made up of eight policing regions, the force is commanded by an Inspector General of Police and Customs who is under the direct command of the Sultan of Oman.