Internet crimes up by 23.5% in Dubai

Dubai - Officials have said that the abnormal rise in cybercrimes is due to the rapid spread of technology.

At least 1,072 cybercrimes have been recorded by the Dubai Police in 2016 as compared to 1,849 in 2015.
Data showed that Internet crimes have risen by almost 23.5 per cent this year as compared to the past two years. In 2014, the number of crimes reported was 1,581 while it was 1,513 in 2013.
Officials have said that the abnormal rise in cybercrimes is due to the rapid spread of technology.
Lt.-Col Saeed Al Hajri, director of the cyber investigation department of Dubai Police, said the police are developing and using advanced technological methods to track criminals. Criminals use high-tech technology to commit fraud, forgery, extortion, hacking and piracy, as well as violating intellectual property rights and sexually exploiting children.
Other cybercrimes include banking fraud, hacking bank accounts and stealing credit card numbers. He urged the public not to respond to any e-mails asking them to update their details on forms. "There are several hazardous software programmes online which have the ability to hack smart phones."
He also said that the police have received several complaints from women who were subjected to blackmail and intimidation online. "They were blackmailed over their photographs on social media websites like Facebook and Twitter. Criminals threaten them that they will send the photos to their friends and families if they do not respond to their demands," he explained.
Other crimes include cyber bullying and verbal abuse. He pointed out that the cybercrime department not only arrests perpetrators, but also tries to take preventive measures and use innovative methods to prevent such crimes before it reaches the UAE.
Al Hajri added that there is a need for international cooperation to fight cybercrime. The police's special department to fight cybercrimes was established in 2002.
To report a cybercrime community members can:
Call: Toll free number 800-CID (800-243)
E-mail: cid@dubaipolice.gov.ae
Go in person to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
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