Sharjah: A cybercrime gang that allegedly targeted social media influencers and celebrities across 14 countries by stealing private photos and blackmailing victims was dismantled by Sharjah Police after a single victim filed a complaint.

Lieutenant Colonel Saqr Ahmed, Head of the Digital Crimes Section at Sharjah Police, said during the Al Shurti programme broadcast on Sharjah TV that investigators used advanced digital forensics, artificial intelligence and international law enforcement cooperation to trace the cybercrime network across 14 countries, identify its members and bring them to justice.

The syndicate allegedly used malicious photo filters to steal personal images and account details before threatening to publish the material unless victims paid a ransom. It then offered victims bogus account protection and recovery services, charging them to resolve a crisis it had allegedly created.…