Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Police in Riyadh arrested a seven-member Syrian gang, who robbed a total of SR1.3 million after detaining and assaulting their victims. The arrested Syrians are illegal residents in the Kingdom. They deluded investors by promising huge profits that they could earn through the purchase of digital currencies and real estate.

The investigations, carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Research Department under the Public Security, have led to the arrest of the gang members. After impersonating as businessmen, the gang members lured their victims into their hideouts and assaulted them and robbed their money at gunpoint. The gang used to transfer the robbed money to their employers, who are residing outside Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Public Security sources warned that anyone, who unlawfully seizes money from others by committing any fraudulent methods, including lying and deception, will be punished with imprisonment for a maximum period of seven years or a fine not exceeding SR5 million, or of both.

The Saudi security authorities constantly underscore the importance of following its advisory with regard to ensuring the safety of electronic links and avoiding falling victims to fraud, in addition to communicating with the relevant authorities to verify their authenticity before interacting with such people. They called for immediately reporting any fraud attempts, no matter how small the amounts involved.

It is also noteworthy that Saudi Arabia is at the bottom in the list of financial fraud crimes that are on a rising tide globally. The ministry cautioned individuals to be wary of the deceiving methods of fraudsters.