Sharjah Police have dismantled an international cybercrime gang that allegedly targeted social media influencers and celebrities across 14 countries.
The syndicate stole private photographs from victims before using the images for blackmail.
Operatives utilised malicious filters on social media platforms to gain unauthorised access to private photo galleries.
The group also ran a network posing as a legitimate online agency offering verification badges, follower boosts, and account security services.
Lt Col Saqr Ahmed, Head of the Digital Crimes Section at Sharjah Police, disclosed details of the operation during a television interview.
He explained that the gang contacted victims posing as a fake security firm and charged them fees to recover the stolen images.
A single complaint filed by one victim in Sharjah initiated the investigation that ultimately uncovered the entire syndicate.
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