KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the arrest of an international cybercrime gang from Nigeria involved in attacks on telecom towers and banks across Kuwait. According to a statement from the General Directorate of Security Relations and Media, the case began after a report from the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) about cyberattacks. Security teams quickly launched investigations and traced the attacks to advanced electronic devices used by the cybercrime gang to hack networks and send fraudulent messages impersonating banks to steal account data and funds.

Authorities located suspicious signals originating from a vehicle in Salmiya, and when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver tried to flee, colliding with several cars, but was successfully arrested. Searches of the vehicle uncovered electronic equipment and technical tools linked to the crimes, and the suspect confessed to involvement in hacking telecom networks and sending fraudulent messages. Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect and the seizure of additional devices used for data analysis, both suspects and the confiscated materials were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action. The Ministry emphasized that these efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and combating electronic fraud targeting residents and citizens. (KUNA)

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: Acting on the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations has carried out a large-scale security campaign across all governorates to enforce the law and maintain public order. The operation, led by the Violators Follow-up and Inspection Departments, targeted densely populated areas and resulted in the arrest of 178 individuals, including residency violators and wanted persons.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to tracking down and apprehending violators of residency and labor laws, stressing that accountability will extend to both workers and employers, with no exceptions in the application of the law.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior arrests international cybercrime gang targeting telecoms and banks.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced on Sunday the arrest of an international cybercrime gang of African nationalities responsible for carrying out sophisticated cyberattacks targeting telecommunications towers and banks within Kuwait.

In a statement issued by the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media, the ministry revealed that the case began when the Communications and Information Technology Authority (CITC) reported a series of cyber intrusions affecting national telecom networks. Security teams swiftly launched an investigation to trace the origins of the attack.

The ministry explained that the attackers had used advanced electronic devices to infiltrate telecommunications networks. Their methods included sending fraudulent messages that impersonated legitimate banking institutions with the intent of harvesting sensitive financial data and illegally accessing bank accounts.

Security officials were able to pinpoint the suspicious signal emissions to a vehicle in the Salmiya area. Upon approaching the scene, the vehicle’s driver attempted to flee, resulting in a collision with multiple vehicles. Despite fierce resistance, detectives managed to apprehend the suspect.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of sophisticated electronic equipment and tools used in the attacks. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to working with an accomplice to hack telecom systems and send phishing messages impersonating banks and telecom providers.

Further investigation led authorities to the accomplice’s location, where he was also arrested. A search of their residence yielded additional electronic devices and tools used in data analysis and cyber intrusion operations.

Both suspects, along with the seized equipment, have been referred to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to bolster Kuwait’s cybersecurity and combat electronic fraud. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to confronting cyber threats with full force and protecting both citizens and residents from digital crimes.