Authorities in Kuwait have arrested members of an international cybercrime syndicate consisting of Chinese nationals, following a series of cyberattacks targeting telecommunication towers and financial institutions throughout the country. The Ministry of the Interior reported on Thursday that the Cybercrime Combating Department became aware of the situation after multiple telecommunication companies and banks notified them of breaches aimed at stealing sensitive customer information and funds.
The crackdown began when police apprehended a Chinese national in the Farwaniya area of Kuwait City. During the arrest, officers seized several electronic devices from the suspect. A subsequent search of his residence revealed additional advanced technological tools believed to be used in the cybercriminal activities. The suspect admitted to being part of a larger fraud network, which led to further investigations and the identification of additional individuals involved in the scheme. These individuals were also arrested and charged with using forged documents to create false identities.
Kuwait’s Ministry of the Interior emphasized its commitment to combating cybercrime and safeguarding the nation’s institutions from such attacks. The ministry stated that it is actively working to enhance security measures across its networks to protect citizens’ data and financial assets.
This incident comes on the heels of a significant cyberattack in September that targeted the Health Ministry, disrupting systems in several hospitals and affecting the Ministry of Health’s website and healthcare applications. The recent spate of cyberattacks highlights an ongoing challenge for Kuwait as it seeks to bolster its cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.