Panama Police Arrest Hacking Group Targeting WhatsApp

Four individuals, allegedly linked to a criminal group dedicated to fraud through WhatsApp account hacking and identity spoofing, were apprehended during the execution of "Operation Transfe." Upon receiving a text message and sharing a numeric code, the victim completely loses control of their account, which falls into the hands of the hackers who then attempt to scam as many people as possible. González explained that in most cases, the criminals pose as WhatsApp platform technical support staff, claiming that a problem has been detected with the account and that identity verification is necessary. It is at this point that the victim shares a numeric code via a text message. Wladimir González, head of this cybercrime division, specified that in this case there were two victims: initially, a citizen lost control of their WhatsApp account, and subsequently, another person was deceived, believing the account belonged to their relative. These four individuals used phishing techniques to hack into their victims' WhatsApp accounts and subsequently, by impersonating their contacts, requested sums of money. Among those arrested are three Panamanian citizens and one Colombian woman, who have been placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities. The official also stated that they have received complaints from people who have reported receiving summonses from the Public Ministry or the National Police via an email or a text message accompanied by a PDF, and advised to be wary of such information. They also recommend not clicking on any links of dubious origin, as one could be scammed. This group took advantage of this to request transfers of approximately $7,000. The operation was carried out by the National Police (PN) through the Cybercrime Division and the Public Ministry (MP) in the district of La Chorrera, Panama Oeste province.