Kuwaiti authorities have dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate led by Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating coordinated attacks on the country’s telecommunications networks and banking sector.
The Ministry of Interior, citing Arabic-language daily Al Qabas, said the operation was triggered after the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) reported a series of sophisticated cyber intrusions targeting local telecom infrastructure.
Specialised teams from the Criminal Security Sector launched an urgent investigation, uncovering a network of suspects who allegedly used advanced electronic devices to breach telecom systems.
According to officials, the group exploited these breaches to send mass phishing messages impersonating major banks and telecommunications companies in an attempt to harvest customer account details and siphon funds.
Investigators deployed signal-tracking technology to trace the cyber activity to a vehicle in the Salmiya area. When officers attempted to intercept the car, the driver reportedly tried to flee, colliding with several vehicles before being subdued following a violent struggle.
A search of the vehicle revealed an array of high-tech equipment, including sophisticated hacking devices and specialised tools believed to have been used in the cyber intrusions.
The suspect later confessed to working with an accomplice to compromise telecom networks and execute the fraudulent messaging campaign. Police swiftly located and arrested the second suspect, and a raid on their residence uncovered additional devices used to analyse and monetise stolen data.
Authorities say the group’s tactics reflect a wider regional surge in phishing attacks, a method in which criminals masquerade as trusted entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. By targeting telecom networks directly, the hackers were able to send convincing scam messages from local numbers, increasing the likelihood that victims would fall for the fraud.
The Ministry of Interior stressed that the case underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for robust public awareness campaigns, stronger regulatory oversight, and closer cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector.
While officials did not disclose the full extent of the financial losses, the case has raised concerns over cross-border cybercrime involving foreign nationals. Kuwait’s banking and telecom sectors, both highly digitised, have become attractive targets for fraudsters with access to advanced technology and insider knowledge.
The arrests also highlight the role of Gulf states in global cybercrime investigations, particularly as international criminal groups increasingly operate across multiple jurisdictions.
The Ministry of Interior said further investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional suspects or accomplices remain at large, and whether the dismantled network had links to similar cybercrime cases in the region or abroad.
