Cyber crooks in Kuwait get smarter
Some 3,000 cybercrime cases were reported last year, and last month 164 crimes were reported, which gives you an indication of how impactful cybercrime on society, Lieut-Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, acting head of the assistance services department of the Interior Ministry's cybercrime department, told KUNA. He indicated that fake text messages on parties pretending to represent official entities and banks were at the top of the fraud list, adding that scammers were using more advanced technologies and different methods to set traps for the uninformed. He revealed that one of the top scams involved advertisements for renting chalets on social media, carried out by using Kuwaiti telephone numbers, which did not give verification of whether the social media account was fake or not.
Online shops selling products with ridiculously low prices also attracted unsuspecting customers, Al-Sarraf added. He continued, fake payment links, which looked legitimate and represented government or official companies, were used by scammers to steal data and money. On how to have basic protection against such acts, Al-Sarraf said that before entering data and falling victim to such scams, one must verify the websites visited, noting that legitimate websites in Kuwait end with a (com.kw) line. He applauded the Wamdh (flash) service, which managed to decrease fraudulent transactions, adding that the Aman (Safety) virtual room, a mechanism that gathers Kuwaiti banks, the public prosecution, and the financial crimes unit, also played a role in monitoring and keeping such cybercrimes at bay. Some KD four million (USD 13 million) of citizens' and residents' finances were protected with around 2,540 cases of cybercrimes reported last December, he revealed, adding that around KD one million (USD 3.2 million) was safeguarded between January and May of 2025.
Al-Sarraf noted that there was a permanent digital coordination outfit established in 2023 dedicated to shutting down suspicious websites and tracking down fake numbers. The unit managed to close down 2,300 scam sites and disconnected 2,200 fake WhatsApp numbers. Those getting caught within Kuwaiti borders are handled according to Kuwaiti law, while those abroad would be handled via Kuwait-INTERPOL cooperation, affirmed Al- Sarraf who brought up operation 'Red Tower', which saw a suspect targeting a communication tower in Kuwait apprehended in a GCC country and brought to justice.
In regard to the effectiveness of Law 63/2015 concerning cybercrime prevention, Al-Sarraf stressed that it was the cornerstone of efforts to bring down such heinous acts. Around 70 lectures are held annually in schools, educational bodies, and government institutions to spread awareness on such crimes, he said. Al-Sarraf called on citizens and residents to contact the official WhatsApp number 97283939 to report any crime against them and spread awareness of the dangers of cybercrimes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Arab Times
Jail For Carrying Weapons In Kuwait Schools, Mosques, Markets
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law amending several provisions of Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991 concerning weapons and ammunition. The legislative update is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance public safety, curb intimidation, and respond to evolving security challenges within society. Speaking to KUNA following the weekly Cabinet session, Minister Al-Sumait stated that the amendments specifically criminalize the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6mm or higher) in public spaces—such as schools, mosques, and markets—without valid justification. Violators will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, a fine between KD 500 and KD 1,000, or both. Furthermore, individuals who deliberately use such weapons to intimidate others in public places will be subject to imprisonment ranging from one to two years and fines between KD 1,000 and KD 2,000. The amendments also prohibit the unlicensed sale, importation, or marketing of these weapons. According to the proposed changes, the Minister of Interior will be authorized to define the specific types of weapons covered by the ban and to determine the public areas where the restrictions will apply. Minister Al-Sumait emphasized that these legal revisions aim to close a significant legislative gap by criminalizing actions that threaten public security. 'The amendment addresses a legislative loophole that has long needed attention,' he said. 'It reinforces the authority of the law and reflects legislative awareness in confronting emerging behaviors that endanger societal peace.'
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Arab Times
Mother Wins Legal Battle Against Ungrateful Daughter Over Car Gift
KUWAIT CITY, Jul 2: The Commercial Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of a Kuwaiti mother, ordering her daughter to return a sum of KD 9,800. The amount, initially given as a financial gift to help the daughter purchase a car, was later revoked by the mother due to what the court described as "gross ingratitude." Attorney Nasser Al-Farhoud brought the case forward on behalf of the mother. In his legal filing, Al-Farhoud requested the court to officially recognize the revocation of the gift and declare the original transaction null and void. He also sought a court order compelling the daughter to repay the KD 9,800, which the mother had transferred directly from her personal bank account to the car dealership for the purchase of a vehicle registered in the daughter's name. As evidence, Al-Farhoud submitted the relevant bank statement, which showed the exact transfer of funds to the car company, confirming delivery of the vehicle to the daughter. Furthermore, he presented witness testimony from individuals who affirmed that the plaintiff was indeed the defendant's mother. They testified that the mother had willingly offered the money as a gift, following the daughter's request. At the time, the daughter was unemployed and financially unable to purchase the vehicle on her own. However, the situation deteriorated due to a series of personal disputes between the mother and daughter. The mother alleged that her daughter breached their familial trust and even physically assaulted her, which she viewed as a serious act of disrespect and betrayal. This behavior led the mother to rescind the financial gift. Attorney Al-Farhoud based his argument on Article 537 of the Kuwaiti Civil Code, which grants parents the legal right to revoke a gift made to their children. He also cited Article 538, which permits the cancellation of a gift if the recipient fails to honor their moral obligations toward the donor, particularly when the failure amounts to ingratitude. The court accepted the arguments and evidence presented. In its written judgment, the court stated that it was convinced by the witness statements and the documentation provided, and that there were no legal barriers under Article 539 of the Civil Code that would prevent the return of the gift. Notably, the court clarified that the exception protecting gifts made to "mahram" relatives (relatives one cannot marry under Islamic law) did not apply in this case. Ultimately, the court determined that the daughter's conduct amounted to a serious breach of filial duty and gratitude, thereby justifying the legal revocation of the gift. Accordingly, the court ordered the daughter to repay the full amount of KD 9,800 to her mother. This total includes the principal sum, case expenses, and the actual legal fees incurred.
Arab Times
8 hours ago
- Arab Times
Jail terms, fines for unauthorized weapon possession in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law amending several provisions of Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991 concerning weapons and ammunition. The legislative update is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance public safety, curb intimidation, and respond to evolving security challenges within society. Speaking to KUNA following the weekly Cabinet session, Minister Al-Sumait stated that the amendments specifically criminalize the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6mm or higher) in public spaces—such as schools, mosques, and markets—without valid justification. Violators will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, a fine between KD 500 and KD 1,000, or both. Furthermore, individuals who deliberately use such weapons to intimidate others in public places will be subject to imprisonment ranging from one to two years and fines between KD 1,000 and KD 2,000. The amendments also prohibit the unlicensed sale, importation, or marketing of these weapons. According to the proposed changes, the Minister of Interior will be authorized to define the specific types of weapons covered by the ban and to determine the public areas where the restrictions will apply. Minister Al-Sumait emphasized that these legal revisions aim to close a significant legislative gap by criminalizing actions that threaten public security. 'The amendment addresses a legislative loophole that has long needed attention,' he said. 'It reinforces the authority of the law and reflects legislative awareness in confronting emerging behaviors that endanger societal peace.'
