Kuwaiti arrested for running 16 fake social media accounts to spread rumours

Dubai: A Kuwaiti citizen has been arrested for operating 16 fake social media accounts used to spread malicious rumours, circulate false information and insult the dignity of numerous citizens in exchange for money.

The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest following confidential intelligence indicating the suspect’s involvement in managing the accounts, which were systematically used to defame individuals and incite public discord.

In a statement, the ministry said that specialised security teams identified the suspect’s identity, monitored his daily movements, place of residence and means of transportation immediately after receiving the information. It added that the suspect was apprehended at a shopping mall, in coordination with the mall’s management, after obtaining a warrant from the public prosecution. He was accompanied by two of his friends at the time of the arrest.

The ministry stated that upon confrontation with the findings of the investigation, the suspect confessed to managing several fake accounts used to publish false news, spread malicious rumours and insult citizens. It further reported that several mobile phones used to manage the accounts were seized, and a search of his residence resulted in the confiscation of a quantity of narcotic substances, psychotropic drugs and imported liquor bottles.

The suspect admitted to communicating and collaborating with a person holding the nationality of a Caribbean country who resides outside Kuwait. Together, they managed the fake accounts in exchange for financial compensation.