Blida, Algeria – Authorities in Blida have apprehended seven individuals suspected of orchestrating an online scam targeting the public. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime in the region.
The investigation was launched after the cybercrime unit of the Blida police detected a video circulating on social media. The video promoted a ‘free’ tourist trip to a foreign country in exchange for relinquishing individuals’ annual tourism currency allowance.
Following the initial discovery, law enforcement initiated a thorough investigation, utilizing electronic surveillance and technical analysis. These efforts led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the seven suspects allegedly involved in the criminal scheme.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects employed deceptive tactics to lure young people. They offered group tourist trips abroad in exchange for foreign currency, reportedly violating existing financial regulations. The scheme involved a pre-arranged agreement between the parties.
The suspects now face a range of charges, including violating currency exchange and capital transfer laws, public fraud using information and communication technologies, operating a commercial business without a trade license, engaging in unauthorized tourism activities, and false advertising. They have been presented before the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities are reminding citizens to exercise caution when engaging with offers on social media and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
