The Main Department for Combating Cybercrime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has conducted a specialized operation to dismantle a criminal network involved in widespread cyber fraud. The group allegedly utilized fake social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts, impersonating government officials and law enforcement personnel to deceive citizens.
This information was provided to the Operative Information Center-OMM by the MIA press service.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of eight individuals suspected of collaborating with cybercriminal organizations operating from abroad. The detainees have been identified as Farid Aliyev, Asiman Zeynalov, Tofiq Aliyev, Farid Atakishiyev, Royal Abdullayev, Anar Mammadov, Rashad Hajiyev, and Hamid Aliyev.
Investigations revealed that the suspects facilitated the criminal activities of overseas groups by providing them with local mobile numbers, bank cards, and other sensitive data. These resources were subsequently used to orchestrate fraudulent schemes. During the operation, law enforcement seized over 2,000 bank cards and mobile numbers linked to the illicit activities. Preliminary findings also indicate that some of these assets were utilized to facilitate illegal online gambling and casino operations.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is currently conducting comprehensive operational and investigative measures to identify and prosecute other members of these international cybercriminal networks. The ministry reiterated its warning to the public regarding the dangers of sharing personal bank details or mobile numbers with third parties.
"If you discover that your bank card or mobile number is being used for illegal purposes, if suspicious funds have been transferred to your account, or if you receive suspicious SMS messages or offers to provide your bank card details in exchange for payment, you are urged to exercise vigilance and report the matter to the police immediately," the statement concluded.
Cybercrime remains a significant global challenge, with authorities in Azerbaijan increasingly focusing on digital security to protect citizens from sophisticated online scams and financial fraud.
