February 17 — Cairo: Egyptian authorities have dismantled a criminal network involved in hacking mobile phones and stealing funds from citizens’ bank accounts through fraudulent messages impersonating the InstaPay application, the Interior Ministry announced.
The operation followed widespread warnings on social media after victims reported losing significant amounts of money. The fraud involved deceptive messages known as “Flash SMS,” which appeared to originate from InstaPay and tricked users into interacting with malicious content.
According to the ministry, the hackers used sophisticated methods that allowed them to remotely control victims’ mobile devices once users opened the fake application and entered their personal information. This enabled criminals to freeze the phone’s screen and complete unauthorized financial transfers within minutes.
Investigations revealed that the scheme was orchestrated by international criminal groups based in an Asian country. These groups developed a fraudulent mobile application that was presented to users as a tool for accessing encrypted television channels for free.
After installing the application, victims’ phones were compromised, allowing the hackers to send false notifications claiming that funds had been withdrawn from their InstaPay accounts. When victims opened the InstaPay application and entered their secure PIN to verify the transaction, the criminals were able to access and transfer the entire account balance.
The stolen funds were transferred to electronic wallets operated by three suspects within Egypt. These individuals then converted the money into encrypted digital currencies and transferred it to the international network managing the operation.
Following legal procedures, security forces arrested members of the network inside Egypt. Authorities seized 35 mobile phones, 32 SIM cards—including 16 linked to electronic wallets—two laptops, eight bank cards, and five accounts used for illegal cryptocurrency trading.
Officials also confiscated cash, seven kilograms of silver, and nearly one kilogram of gold. The total value of the seized assets was estimated at approximately EGP 8 million.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that legal action has been taken against those involved and warned citizens to avoid accessing unknown or suspicious links, which may compromise their devices and financial accounts.
The ministry added that the operation is part of broader national efforts to combat cybercrime through coordinated security operations, advanced digital investigation techniques, and public awareness initiatives.
