Algeria: five ministers, 91 deputies and officials blackmailed on Facebook

Five ministers, 91 senators, Parliament members and senior officials were blackmailed and threatened through social media in January, February and March.

Figures show that authorities in charge of fighting cybercrimes reported that former Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and four ministers were victims of those crimes.

Seven members of the Senate, eleven members of the People’s National Assemblies, fourteen mayors, five health directors and central directors at many state institutions were blackmailed.   

Cybercriminals exploit the victims’ photos, videos, documents and SMS to put pressure on the victims in return for positions or money.

Investigations showed that 13 minors, 102 persons aged between 19 and 30 and 87 others were involved in threatening and blackmailing the victims through social media. Facebook has the lion’s share as it represents 85 percent in those crimes.

According to a security report, the criminals enjoy cleverness and include 32 women.