Kuwait has arrested members of an international cybercrime gang, comprised of Chinese nationals, following large-scale attacks targeting telecommunication towers and financial institutions across the country, Al Jazeera reports.
The Ministry of the Interior announced the arrests on Thursday, detailing the operation conducted by the Cybercrime Combating Department.
The investigation was launched after several telecommunication companies and banks reported cyberattacks on their networks, with the apparent goal of stealing customer information and funds.
The initial arrest occurred in the Farwaniya area of Kuwait City, where police apprehended a Chinese national working as a driver. A search of the individual uncovered multiple electronic devices, leading to a subsequent search of his residence, where authorities discovered more sophisticated technological tools.
The suspect confessed to being part of a larger network of fraudsters. Following the confession, police identified and arrested other members of the network. The individuals also face charges related to the use of falsified documents to create fraudulent identities.
The Ministry of the Interior emphasized its commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting national institutions from such attacks. The ministry stated that it is taking proactive measures to enhance security on its networks in order to safeguard citizens’ data and financial assets.
This incident follows a cyberattack in September that targeted Kuwait’s Health Ministry, disrupting systems at several hospitals and impacting the Ministry of Health’s website and healthcare applications.
