Sharjah Police arrest 33 over $2.4bn cybercrime network spanning 12 nationalities

Sharjah Police announced on Thursday, 15 October, that they had arrested 33 suspects from 12 nationalities in an operation code-named ‘End of the Battle’. The announcement came at a Thursday afternoon media briefing at Sharjah Media City ‘Shams’.

The suspects were detained in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, while several others were apprehended overseas and returned to face legal proceedings, police said. The operation was conducted with the UAE Ministry of Interior and international law-enforcement authorities.

Police said the Digital Crime Combat Department had uncovered four interconnected international criminal networks operating across multiple countries. The alleged criminal activity, including cyberattacks, digital asset theft, online fraud and money laundering, was worth more than $2.4 billion.

Investigators said one group carried out cyberattacks and stole customer data and databases. A second specialised in money laundering through virtual assets and other financial channels. A third allegedly used social-engineering methods to manipulate victims and take their digital wallets. The fourth was accused of physically attacking victims to force them to disclose digital-wallet passwords.

The networks also allegedly used artificial intelligence tools for phishing attacks and online fraud. Compromised personal and financial information was traded on dark web platforms, police said.

According to the police account, stolen funds moved through bank accounts, digital wallets, virtual asset platforms and intermediary companies. The proceeds were then invested in real estate, luxury vehicles, expensive watches and jewellery.

More than 3,000 digital wallets were placed under auditing and verification. Police said the network hid its activity behind several layers of encryption in closed networks, while members publicly presented themselves as wealthy businessmen and investors, travelling between world capitals and displaying a lavish lifestyle.

More than $54.5 million was seized during the operation. Police said assets belonging to more than 30 companies and institutions worldwide, valued at over $17.7 billion, were protected.

Sharjah Police said the Public Prosecution had encountered “conclusive evidence” that led to the suspects’ conviction. Police also said the operation helped limit potential economic repercussions for digital global asset markets.