Moroccan ’Computer Genius’ Sentenced in Belgium for $2 Million SMS Fraud Scheme

From Morocco, a network used the computer fraud and SMS fraud process called "smishing" or "SMS fishing" to defraud several selected people on the darkweb. They received SMS alerts about a fake fraud or error, under the name of a well-known brand. According to the federal prosecutor’s office, the victims reached 160 in the Liège region. The network managed to steal more than two million euros from them.

In total, three people, including a Moroccan considered a computer genius, had been arrested in Belgium as part of an investigation into organized fraud. They were tried before the Liège Correctional Court. The main defendant was sentenced to three years in prison and a 15,000 euro fine, reports Belga. As for the other two defendants, they were acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.