Three Men Sentenced for Hijacking Mobile Networks in Dubai Marina

Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced three Asian men to six months in prison each for operating a complex fraud scheme that hijacked mobile signals to steal money from residents.

Court records show the group imported signal-jamming and IT equipment, blocking legitimate mobile frequencies and creating a parallel network. Residents connecting to this rogue signal received text messages appearing to come from banks and official institutions. The messages, complete with realistic logos and wording, contained malicious links that harvested personal and financial information, which was then used to siphon funds.

Authorities confiscated all devices and ordered the defendants’ deportation after serving their sentences. Other suspects linked to the case remain at large.

The scam surfaced after Dubai Marina residents reported suspicious banking messages. Investigators traced the moving signal between Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, eventually intercepting a vehicle containing jamming devices, computers, a signal receiver, and equipment for sending fabricated SMS messages.

The court found the defendants’ claims — that they were hired as drivers or installers — unconvincing and upheld their conviction, highlighting their roles as part of an organised criminal operation.

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