SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — Sharjah Police said Sunday that they arrested seven Asian suspects in a cyber fraud case involving fake applications, impersonation and the misuse of stolen labor data.
Authorities said the suspects posed as government officials to gain the trust of victims and persuade them to download malicious apps. Once installed, the software gave the gang remote access to phones and personal information.
Police said the group also used labor data to open bank accounts that were then used to launder money obtained through the scams. Investigators described the case as part of a wider electronic fraud network operating across the emirate.
The arrests come as the UAE continues to step up its response to cybercrime. The UAE Cybersecurity Council recently said it had foiled advanced attacks targeting financial sector entities, including phishing attempts, malware and efforts to exploit security weaknesses.
Officials have urged public and private organizations to follow national cybersecurity rules, strengthen defenses and report suspicious activity through official channels. The council said the country’s cyber response system relies on constant monitoring, intelligence sharing and rapid detection.
The UAE’s growing digital economy has also made it a more attractive target for attackers. The Cybersecurity Council has said the country faces more than 800,000 cyberattack attempts each day, with industry experts warning the real number may be even higher.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to review the suspects’ links to additional fraud cases and determine whether more arrests will follow.
