A prosecutor in Kom Hamada, Beheira, ordered three suspects to be detained for four days pending investigations over allegations of leaking personal data and phone numbers belonging to telecom customers and selling them through social media for money.
The suspects include an official working for a telecom company who is accused of exploiting his professional access to obtain confidential customer information and pass it to the other suspects for resale.
Authorities Detect Online Data Sales Activity
The case began after the relevant cybercrime authorities, working with public security officials, detected suspicious activity on social media.
The activity reportedly involved promoting the sale of databases and phone numbers belonging to customers of various telecommunications companies in exchange for financial payments.
First Suspect Identified
Investigators collected information, used modern technical methods, and tracked the electronic accounts involved in promoting the sale of the data.
Their efforts led to the identification of the first suspect, who was found to be a student living in the Kom Hamada police district in Beheira.
After the required legal procedures were completed, authorities arrested him. During questioning, he admitted managing the electronic page used to promote and sell the data.
First Suspect Reveals Source of Leaked Data
The first suspect reportedly told investigators that he obtained the databases from a second suspect, also a student, who lives in the First Amreya police district in Alexandria.
Authorities set up the necessary security measures and arrested the second suspect.
During questioning, the second suspect admitted obtaining the leaked databases from a third suspect.
Investigators identified the third suspect as an official working for a telecommunications company and residing in Alexandria.
Telecom Official Accused of Leaking Customer Information
During investigations, the main suspect, who worked for the telecommunications company, admitted exploiting his professional authority to access confidential customer information.
He reportedly acknowledged leaking customer data and passing it to the other suspects so they could sell it and obtain financial gains for themselves.
Investigators are continuing to determine the amount of data allegedly leaked and the extent of the sales operations.
Prosecutor Orders Four-Day Detention
Legal procedures were taken against the suspects, and an official report was prepared before the suspects were presented to the prosecution.
The Kom Hamada prosecutor ordered the three suspects to remain in custody for four days pending investigations.
Security authorities were also instructed to investigate the extent of the alleged data sales and examine the seized electronic devices.
What Are the Suspects Accused Of?
The suspects face allegations involving the leaking and selling of personal data and phone numbers belonging to telecommunications customers in exchange for money.
How Many Suspects Are Involved?
Three suspects are involved in the case, including a telecommunications company official and two students.
How Was the Case Discovered?
Authorities detected social media activity promoting the sale of telecom customer databases and phone numbers, then tracked the electronic accounts and identified the suspects.
What Did the Prosecutor Decide?
The prosecution ordered the three suspects to remain in custody for four days pending investigations, while further inquiries and examinations of the seized devices continue.
