By Ahood Suleiman Al Naqbi
Sharjah Police has foiled a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme operated by a network of seven Asian nationals who impersonated public officials to deceive victims into downloading remote access applications, enabling them to gain unauthorized control of victims’ mobile devices and bank accounts. The network also exploited workers' identities to open bank accounts that were used to channel funds obtained through cyber-enabled fraud.
Providing details of the case, Brigadier Dr. Khalifa Balhai, Director of the directorate of Criminal Investigation Department, stated that the case began with a report filed by an Arab national who had fallen victim to an online fraud after receiving a phone call from individuals impersonating public officials, who persuaded him to install a remote access application on his mobile phone. This enabled the suspects to access his bank account, withdraw funds, and transfer the stolen money to a bank account in the UAE.
The Criminal Investigation team followed the necessary procedures and identified the beneficiary of the bank transfer. After arrest and questioning, the individual admitted that members of the criminal network had recruited him to open a bank account in his name in exchange for sums of money or the provision of a travel ticket.
Brigadier Dr. Balhai added that the investigations led to the arrest of the remaining suspects, and revealed an organized criminal structure between the members including false promises of employment, accommodation, and creating bank accounts under their own names, and then used those accounts to transfer proceeds generated from fraudulent activities in return for commissions and financial rewards.
During search and seizure operations, a range of seized items were found, including bank cards, cheque books issued by various banks, passports, multiple electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, storage devices, and computers, as well as company stamps, official documents, payment receipts, and financial records belonging to several companies.
Sharjah Police confirmed that the investigation established the existence of a fully integrated criminal operation that began with impersonating public officials and deceiving victims, progressed to exploiting workers' personal information to open bank accounts, and concluded by laundering the proceeds of cyber fraud through those accounts. The operation resulted in the arrest of all network members, who have since been referred to the Public Prosecution.
Sharjah Police urged members of the public to pay attention and be alert when dealing with untrusted messages, links, or electronic communications, and to refrain from sharing personal or banking information with unknown parties. Sharjah Police also stressed the importance of verifying the identity of individuals and organizations before conducting any financial transactions and encouraged the public to report suspected fraud attempts or suspicious activities immediately. Such vigilance plays a vital role in strengthening cybersecurity and protecting the community from cybercrime. Sharjah Police affirmed that its communication channels are available around the clock through 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency cases and inquiries, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and security.