How Dubai Police busted global gang to foil $36 million in online fraud

Dubai: Dubai Police have highlighted the importance of proactive measures in combating cybercrime, as the eCrime platform serves as a vital tool for addressing electronic fraud and related cases.

First Lieutenant Rashid Lootah, Head of the Anti-Fraud and Forgery Crimes Section, emphasised in an interview with Gulf News that raising awareness and fostering a culture of vigilance are key to preventing online fraud. He noted that individuals of various age groups remain susceptible to cyber scams, making public awareness top priority.

Dubai Police’s dedicated Cybercrime Unit remains at the forefront of tackling these challenges, responding promptly to reports and, in many cases, taking swift action to address incidents effectively.

Lt Lootah said Dubai Police collaborates with banks to implement immediate measures to safeguard funds and mitigate/ prevent financial losses when victims report scams in a timely manner.

Lt Lootah said artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in cybercrime prevention by detecting patterns of fraudulent activity, and through personalising educational content for different segments of the population.

Criminal tactics

Cybercriminals frequently employ advanced and sophisticated techniques to conceal their identities and locations. Utilising tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), proxy servers, and stolen identities, they create significant challenges for investigators attempting to trace their online activities. Additionally, the continuously evolving nature of cybercrime tactics demands that law enforcement agencies consistently adapt their investigative techniques and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Major operation

However, Dubai Police have implemented systems to combat e-crime, successfully arresting major international gangs, Lt Lootah said. They thwarted significant e-crimes and fraud schemes, preventing losses of $36 million in what was known as the Monopoly case, the largest amount ever withdrawn through electronic fraud. This case involved individuals from 12 nationalities, including Eastern Europe, Asia, America, and some Arabs.

Typical scenario

He also highlighted an incident which demonstrates how an individual falls victim to online fraud.

Dubai Police had received a complaint via the Cybercrime Platform from an individual who saw an advertisement offering discounts on a product. After clicking the ad to place an order, he entered his bank card details and subsequently received a text about unauthorised transactions made with his card at various online stores.

In response, the Cybercrime Investigation Department formed a task force that apprehended the three-member gang involved. Investigations revealed the gang’s connection to 10 similar reports, with estimated financial losses of around Dh100,000. They had created fake websites to steal bank card information, which they intended to misuse in online stores both locally and internationally. Additionally, they possessed a collection of unused bank cards. They were found to have a collection of unused bank cards, and the police raid prevented the crime before it could happen.

Children cases

Lt Lootah explained that cybercrime investigations involving children require a tailored and sensitive approach to ensure the best outcomes. Children may unknowingly become involved in crimes by using their parents’ bank cards or accounts, often without fully understanding the implications of their actions. To address such situations effectively, Dubai Police has specialised officers trained to handle cases involving minors, ensuring both the protection of the child and a comprehensive investigation.

How quickly are cases resolved?

The resolution time for cybercrime cases varies significantly depending on the circumstances and complexity of each case. Simple cases, where the perpetrator is easily identified and evidence is readily available, can be resolved relatively quickly. On the other hand, more complex cases, especially those with international dimensions, may take considerably longer. Cases requiring international cooperation often involve additional challenges, including coordination across multiple jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and difficulties in tracking perpetrators who may have relocated or used advanced methods to conceal their identities. Each case is unique, and the time required depends on its specific circumstances.

Timely reporting of cybercrime is essential for increasing the chances of fund recovery and apprehending criminals. Delays allow offenders more time to transfer money, cover their tracks, and potentially target more victims. The risk of losing digital evidence is significant if not collected promptly, as systems may automatically delete data after a certain period. Therefore, immediate action by victims is crucial.

Public awareness

Lt Lootah highlighted the critical role of public awareness in preventing cybercrime. He stated that Dubai Police has launched the ‘Stay Aware’ campaign on Instagram, aiming to educate and engage the community. Through interactive weekly questions about cybercrime, the campaign fosters public participation and enhances awareness of online security threats.

The campaign targets common scams like phishing and fake websites, aiming to equip the public with the knowledge to identify and avoid them.

The officer highlights that the campaign’s reach is expanding, with plans to translate content into more languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu, Chinese, and Russian.

Phishing links

Fraudsters often send phishing links through platforms like WhatsApp. These links trick users into making payments or sharing sensitive information. For example, a user might receive a payment request from a friend, unaware their friend’s account was hacked. Lt Lootah advised members of society to call their friends if they noticed any suspicious actions on their WhatsApp or other social media platforms.

Fake websites

Fake websites mimic legitimate e-commerce platforms, stealing payment information or overcharging for goods. Users are lured by misleading search engine results or ads, believing these sites are trustworthy.

Job scams

Attractive offers or job advertisements lure victims into making upfront payments or sharing personal details. Many only realise the scam after the money is gone.

Gaming cons

Children, enticed by in-game rewards, share their parents’ bank card information, leading to unauthorised charges. Children often fall victim to scams related to popular online games. They may be tricked into making unauthorised purchases or revealing their parents’ bank card information.

Be cautious with unsolicited communications: Treat unexpected messages, emails, or offers with scepticism.

Verify authenticity: Confirm the legitimacy of websites, email addresses, and senders before interacting.

Avoid suspicious links: Refrain from clicking on unknown links or sharing personal information online.

Protect sensitive information: Never disclose OTPs or passwords. Always review OTP messages thoroughly — they often include vital transaction details such as the amount and recipient information.

Educate children: Limit their access to credit cards and teach them about online safety to prevent unintentional misuse.

Act quickly: Report any suspected fraud immediately to banks and relevant authorities.

Support investigations: Provide comprehensive evidence, including screenshots, email trails, and transaction records, to facilitate efficient resolution.