KUWAIT CITY, Aug 24: The Electronic and Cyber Crime Combating Department at the Interior Ministry, in cooperation with the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) and telecommunications companies, blocked 52 fake websites involved in fraud and deception by impersonating Al-Durra Company for Recruiting and Employing Domestic Workers.

On its official account on ‘X’ platform, the ministry has warned about fraudulent operations on wixsite and suspicious links on social media sites. It affirmed this step is part of the ongoing efforts of the Criminal Security Sector to protect society from illegal activities, as well as the monitoring and accurate follow-up operations carried out by the Electronic and Cyber Crime Combating Department, in coordination with the concerned authorities.

This move resulted in blocking about 392 fake websites engaged in fraud and deception, including 52 that are impersonating Al-Durra Company for Recruiting and Employing Domestic Workers, in addition to the suspension of more than 662 fraudulent Kuwaiti WhatsApp numbers -- 65 percent of which claimed to be that of the company.

The department confirmed the continuous monitoring of fake websites to block them first-hand, and then take all the necessary legal measures to combat these fake and illegal activities, as well as to protect citizens and expatriates from such fraudulent operations. The ministry urged everyone to deal with trusted websites and entities only; stressing the need to verify their credibility before making any purchases, authentication through the ‘My Identity’ application and financial transactions; or clicking fake links from search engines or advertisements on social media sites. It emphasized the importance of checking the name of the site, being wary of ‘wixsite’ sites to ensure the protection of their money and personal information, and avoiding falling prey to those engaged in fraud and deception. It also advised the public to contact of the Electronic and Cyber Crime Combating Department through WhatsApp number 97283939 or the department’s account on social media platforms (ECCCD) to request assistance.

Meanwhile, two unknown individuals assaulted a 1984-born expatriate in front of a bank, and robbed him of KD 900, reports Al- Anba daily. According to security sources, the victim explained to Capital securitymen that he was leaving a local bank when he was stopped by two unknown individuals who claimed to be detectives. They accused him of possessing proceeds from drug trafficking and demanded that he hand over the money. He tried to convince them that he had nothing to do with drugs but the men insisted that they would investigate the matter at the police station.

They told him to hand over the money and accompany them to the station. When he refused, they threw him to the ground. The victim described the assailants as dark-skinned and thin. Capital securitymen has launched an investigation to find the two thieves who targeted the expatriate. They have decided to review the bank’s security footage to identify the suspects or the vehicle they may have used. Similarly, two men robbed a Kuwaiti citizen of KD 700, his watch and vehicle registration book, reports Al-Anba daily. According to security sources, a 1987-born Kuwaiti citizen went to Sulaibiya Police Station and reported that he was driving in the area when he was stopped by two men. One among them pulled him out of his vehicle, assaulted him, and took his money, which amounted to KD 700, his watch and his vehicle registration book. The second suspect was encouraging the first. The investigator at Sulaibiya Police Station has ordered the arrest of two individuals. The incident was classified as a felony, and a case of theft by force has been filed.