THE RISING OF CYBERCRIMES IN KUWAIT

January This Year (2016), Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah (On the Picture) emphasized that the new cybercrime law is aimed at protecting society from misuse of the internet and e-media by some users. Emphasis was made when he met with officials of the Ministry of Interior to discuss means of enforcing the cybercrime law.

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UPDATES: GCC states including Kuwait and the UAE have issued cybercrime law aimed to fight cybercrimes.

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Despite the existence of cyber law punishable by imprisonment or large fines in Kuwait, The Rate of cybercrimes is yet rise. The Internet is accessible to everyone including the ignorant and educated without any restrictions. This has led to a rash cybercrimes in the region including online blackmail, insults and electronic thefts.

2015 Cybercrimes statistics revealed by The Kuwait Government shows the numbers of cybercrimes committed were 1212 of which 305 were registered against users for cursing and making insults through chat programs and social media. 65 cases were registered for vice, 49 cases of theft (the hacking or stealing of Twitter and Facebook accounts) , 296 cases of misuse of means of communication, 55 cases of threats and blackmail, 46 cases of theft, contempt of religions and sects contempt and four cases where users were in violation of military law issues, 27 cases of scamming, five death threats, seven cases of inciting hatred against a class of the society, 40 cases of plagiarism and gatherings without a permit, 114 cases of incitement to immorality and debauchery, and 14 cases of broadcasting false news as well as other cases with unlisted ‘crimes’.

Interior Ministry statistics report shows Cybercrimes increased by 20 percent (20%). Having Cybercrime law itself is not enough. Cyber awareness is indeed needed to the country – To educate people about cybercrimes.

Main focus should remain on educating people especially young people and children of the seriousness of the matter and the penalties that await any of these in the event of misuse of social media. In addition, to work o Capacity building – Creating the right skillsets that will be able to fight cybercrimes and emphasizing on Collaboration within and across border while the fight against Cybercrimes would provide a better result.

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NEWS UPDATES: Gavin Champagnie (33) an accountant of Jackson Way arrested in Meadowvale, St Catherine Jamaica for breaching cybercrime act.

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Champagnie, who worked as a financial controller at a finance company, purported to be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company and allegedly sent an email to a junior accountant with instructions to wire US$42,000 to a bank account in the United States of America.

The junior accountant contacted the CEO for additional information when it was reportedly borne out that the email did not originate from him.

A report was made to the Fraud Squad and Champagnie was subsequently arrested and charged.

According to a news release from the police, when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court today, he was granted bail in the sum of J$300,000.

He is scheduled to reappear on Wednesday, March 16.