The Iraqi National Security has announced the arrest of the main suspect accused of leaking the Iraqi database via the Telegram app in Baghdad, as part of efforts to enhance information security and counter cybercrimes in the country.
In an official statement, the agency reported that the first operation resulted in the detention of the main suspect under the provisions of Article 182 of the Penal Code, while a second operation led to the arrest of another suspect who created "bots" and fake channels on Telegram to deceive citizens by claiming ownership of their national data and financially extort them.
The statement clarified that the second suspect admitted during preliminary investigations to having created a fake bot on Telegram that appeared to have a database of the national ID for residents of Iraq’s eighteen provinces, but it contained no real information.
The accused also admitted to creating two channels on the application used to promote the fake bot, with the aim of financially profiting by receiving money in the form of credit card charges.
The National Security Service warned against any attempts to compromise the informational security of Iraqis, affirming the continuation of its efforts to chase down phantom networks and expose all those involved in them to ensure data safety and protect citizens from cyber extortion.
