Kuwaiti and Syrian Arrested in Kuwait Over Alleged Phone Hacking and Bank Theft Scheme

Kuwaiti authorities have arrested a Kuwaiti citizen and a Syrian expatriate in connection with an alleged sophisticated cybercrime operation that targeted mobile phones and bank accounts. The suspects are accused of being part of a hacking network that remotely controlled victims' devices, monitored their activities, and accessed sensitive information, including banking details and one-time passwords (OTPs).

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The investigation began after several citizens and residents reported receiving suspicious messages and notifications from local numbers. After opening the links, victims discovered unauthorized withdrawals and transactions from their bank accounts, despite not purchasing the listed devices or receiving verification codes for the transactions.

The investigation was prompted by numerous reports from citizens and residents who received suspicious messages from local numbers. After clicking on links within these messages, victims discovered unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, despite not having purchased any listed devices or authorized the transactions. Cybercrime investigators identified the messages as containing malicious links and tools designed to infiltrate mobile devices, enabling hackers to capture confidential information and conduct fraudulent operations once victims accessed their banking applications.

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Cybercrime investigators found that the messages contained malicious links and technical tools designed to infiltrate mobile devices. Once victims accessed their banking applications, the hackers were allegedly able to capture confidential information and carry out fraudulent financial operations.

Further investigations indicated that the accused had targeted dozens of phones and were allegedly collaborating with a specialized criminal network based in another Arab country. While the overseas network members reportedly handled the technical hacking, the suspects in Kuwait were responsible for receiving devices purchased with stolen funds and reselling them at discounted prices to obscure the money's origin. During interrogation, the two suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement, claiming their role was limited to receiving and reselling the fraudulently obtained devices for commissions, with most proceeds transferred to the overseas network.

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Investigations revealed that the accused had targeted dozens of phones and was allegedly working with a specialized criminal network operating from an Arab country.

Authorities apprehended the suspects through a joint effort between the Cybercrime Department and Hawalli detectives, who are continuing their investigation into the broader network. The public has been urged to exercise caution, avoid opening suspicious links or messages from unknown sources, regularly update their devices and applications, never share OTP codes or banking information, and promptly report any unusual account activity.

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During questioning, the two suspects allegedly admitted their involvement, claiming their role was limited to receiving and reselling the fraudulently purchased devices in exchange for commissions.