Last week, UAE authorities dismantled international cybercrime syndicates after a three-month-long investigation conducted by Khaleej Times. These sophisticated syndicates employed teams of computer-literate individuals from South Asia, recruiting them through job advertisements on social media platforms. The arrests resulted in the uncovering of the intricate structure of these criminal organizations.
Job advertisements found by Khaleej Times indicated that recruits were required to have a minimum typing speed of 25 words per minute and possess their own visa. Salaries ranged from Dh2,500 to Dh3,000, with additional incentives for meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) and commissions. Recruits were promised meals, accommodation, and other benefits as part of the job offer.
Once recruited, individuals were trained and deployed into different roles based on their skills. Receptionists handled task-based scams, such as sending messages pretending to be company representatives to lure victims into fraudulent schemes. Developers persuaded people to install trading applications and participate in stock trading based on false recommendations. Teachers engaged in pig butchering or romance scams to gain victims’ trust for cryptocurrency investment opportunities. At the top of the hierarchy were ‘Killers’ who posed as police officers to extort money from individuals using fake arrests and loan apps.
The investigation also revealed the harsh working conditions experienced by employees in these cyber compounds. Recruits were confined to the compounds, had their passports confiscated, and faced strict rules and fines for not meeting targets. An employee described working long shifts behind computers, making hundreds of calls daily, and feeling the emotional toll of cheating victims. Victims in East Asia confessed to losing significant amounts of money due to these scams, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of these cybercrime syndicates.
The women interviewed shared insights into the intense pressure and manipulation tactics employed by the management of these syndicates. Pre-recorded messages of applause and cheers followed successful scams, while employees were threatened with fines for sharing information or not meeting quotas. The focus was on maximizing the use of customers’ personal data to generate profit, with strict consequences for employees who did not adhere to these guidelines.
Recent raids on cyber compounds conducted by UAE authorities resulted in the arrests of hundreds of individuals involved in these criminal activities. Investigations into the detained individuals’ roles are ongoing, with plans to refer them to the public prosecutor for further legal action. The dismantling of these cybercrime syndicates highlights the importance of international cooperation and law enforcement efforts to combat such illicit operations and protect individuals from falling victim to these scams.
