The Cybercrime Fighting Brigade of Annaba (ولاية عنابة) announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the arrest of an individual accused of illegally collecting personal data without authorization to book visa appointments. This significant development was made public on Thursday, corresponding to 03 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar, with authorities confirming the date of the public statement regarding the Annaba investigation as 2026/05/21. The individual faces a range of serious charges, including fraudulent access to automated data processing systems and the illegal collection of personal data without consent or license. The charges extend further, encompassing impersonating a profession, forgery, and violating foreign exchange laws. Authorities stated the suspect possessed and traded prohibited digital currency as part of the alleged scheme, adding another layer to the complex legal proceedings.
Details of the Operation
According to the Cybercrime Fighting Brigade of Annaba, the individual gained fraudulent access to online visa appointment booking platforms. This illicit access was reportedly achieved after the accused received citizen files through the Telegram application. The brigade detailed that the accused leveraged this unauthorized access to obtain sensitive personal information. Authorities stated the collected personal data was then systematically used to book visa appointments illegally, creating a fraudulent service for unsuspecting individuals.
The investigation revealed the financial mechanisms of the alleged scheme. Payment for these fraudulent services was received via the Baridi Mop application, a widely used platform. A key aspect of the operation involved the conversion of funds: a portion of the proceeds from these transactions was subsequently converted into prohibited digital currency by the accused. The Cybercrime Fighting Brigade confirmed the suspect's involvement in the possession and trading of this digital currency as part of the alleged scheme, which also involved charges of impersonating a profession and forgery. The detailed operational methods highlight the sophistication of the alleged criminal activity.
Legal Charges Filed
The individual arrested in Annaba faces a full list of charges stemming from the extensive investigation. Among the primary accusations are charges related to fraudulent access to automated data processing systems, showing the digital nature of the crime. Authorities also confirmed the accused is charged with the illegal collection of personal data without consent or a license, a direct violation of privacy regulations. These charges stem from an investigation into a scheme involving the illicit booking of visa appointments, which exploited personal information for financial gain. Additional charges further complicate the legal situation, including impersonating a profession, forgery, and violating foreign exchange laws by possessing and trading prohibited digital currency. The breadth of these charges reflects the multi-faceted nature of the alleged criminal enterprise uncovered by the authorities.
Call for Victims
Annaba's security services have issued a public appeal for individuals who believe they have been victims of the arrested individual's alleged scheme to come forward. Victims are urged to report their cases to the Cybercrime Fighting Brigade or to their nearest police station, ensuring all relevant information is collected. This call aims to gather further information and identify additional cases related to the fraudulent visa appointment data operation. The authorities did not specify the number of potential victims or the duration over which the scheme operated, but the appeal suggests a broader investigation into the alleged activities. This public outreach is key for understanding the full scope of the fraudulent network and providing justice to those affected.
Date of Announcement
The announcement of the arrest was made on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This date corresponds to 03 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar, providing a dual reference for the timing of this significant law enforcement action. Authorities confirmed the date of the public statement regarding the Annaba investigation as 2026/05/21, ensuring clarity and precision in the official record.
