Cybercrime knows no borders, impacting society at all levels from personal identity theft to attacks on national infrastructure. International cooperation and professional dedication are essential in developing effective strategies to combat these threats and protect digital assets.
Be cautious of fake police emails impersonating law enforcement agencies like the Cyprus Police and Interpol. Always verify the legitimacy of such communications, report any suspicious emails, and stay informed to avoid falling victim to phishing scams.
Paphos authorities detained six illegal residents from Georgia in a targeted raid, leading to their arrest and pending deportation. Meanwhile, Nicosia faces a surge in cyber scams, with one victim losing €52,000, highlighting the urgent need for public vigilance against sophisticated fraudsters.
Cyprus played a crucial role in busting a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam in the EU, leading to the arrest of individuals and seizure of over €500,000 in cryptocurrencies, €250,000 in cash, vehicles, and a luxury property. This decisive action was part of an international operation against a fake ICO orchestrated by fraudulent actors in Austria.
Former Paphos mayor Savvas Vergas reported receiving a death threat via social media, prompting a serious investigation by authorities. Police and cybercrime specialists are working to trace the origin of the threat, highlighting the challenges of cyber security in today’s digital world.
In Paphos, a man was arrested for promoting hate speech on social media, facing possible fines and imprisonment. The incident highlights Cyprus’s commitment to combat cybercrime and protect residents from online abuse, emphasizing the importance of responsible digital behavior.
The cautionary tale from Limassol serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online fraud. A 60yearold resident fell victim to a scammer who manipulated empathy through an innocent text message, resulting in a loss of over €55,000. It underscores the importance of verifying identities, avoiding sharing personal financial information online, and staying vigilant against red flags in financial requests to protect oneself from cyber fraud.
A Limassolbased company fell victim to an email fraud scheme, losing €17,000 due to a deceptive payment request. The incident highlights the rising threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud, emphasizing the need for robust verification processes and employee education to prevent such financial losses.
In recent times, there’s been an alarming increase in social media account hijacking, with Viber being a significant target. The Cybercrime Subdivision has issued a warning, urging the public to exercise extreme caution and providing steps to protect against hijacking, including enabling twofactor authentication, reviewing connected devices, updating personal information, and practicing good password hygiene.
Three Ukrainians have been detained in Kyrenia after the death of Russian citizen Mikhail Kamyshanov, who was found strangled at his workplace. Authorities are reviewing security footage and investigating incriminating messages as they seek justice for this tragic event.
