Was it an instigated cybercrime or innocence? Special authorities have arrested a Pakistan man on suspicion of being “linked to riots,” in the United Kingdom. He has since been acquitted. What’s this about?
Cyber Terrorism?
Charged with misinformation and possible “cyber terrorism.” A Pakistani man was charged on suspicion of fueling UK riots in the past few weeks. In Lahore, Pakistan, the local police arrested Farhan Asif.
An Investigation Led to Arrest
The Federal Investigation Agency, a border control, criminal investigation, counter-intelligence, and security agency in Pakistan, arrested Asif.
Instilled “Insecurity & Fear”
According to reports, at the time of Asif’s arrest, the FIA announced that Asif had created “fear” and “insecurity” in the UK and had also damaged Pakistan as a nation’s reputation.
Later Free to Go
Asif was reportedly acquitted after being arrested on account of being linked to the fake news spread online, which is said to have spurred the riots in the UK. The formerly accused was acquitted after the agency “submitted their report,” according to Reuters.
Charges “Absolved”
According to Asif’s lawyer, Rana Rizwan, Akhtar, her client has been “absolved in the investigation.”
Cooperative After Findings
According to reports, Asif cooperated with the authorities who seized his belongings, such as computers and devices. He also gave authorities access to social accounts.
False Narrative
Asif took to social media platforms and posted false information about the potential suspect of the events that occurred on 29 July. Asif claimed that the young man who perpetrated the violent attack was Muslim and had been in the UK as an Asylum seeker.
Fake News Posted Gained Traction
The Deputy Inspector, Imran Kishwar, who led the case of Asif, said the suspect had claimed to be a freelance web developer based in Pakistan. It was reported that Asif posted fake news on an X (formerly Twitter) page called Cannel3 Now.
Fake Name Revealed
The fake news also alleged that the suspect involved in the Southport Incident’s name was “Ali Al-Shakati.” There’s been a persona created for this phony name, and it was linked to the violent crime in Southport.
Don’t Speculate
In a statement, Merseyside Police said, “…This name is incorrect, and we would urge people not to speculate on the details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing…”
An Apology
According to reports, the Channel3 Now’s supposed manager and editor had issued an apology for the misinformation circulating on their website. Channel3 Now is said to have issued the apology on 31 July, the reports said.
Regret Confusion
“We deeply regret any confusion or inconvenience this has caused,” the apology read, according to AP News.
Claims Innocence?
When Asif was arrested, he told the arresting officers and, in his interviews, that he was not the source of the fake news. Asif claimed that he only reposted it from another social media page.
Did It for Attention?
Asif has further told the officers that he only spread the fake news because it generated more views to the site and that he gained from it, AP News reported.
Regrets Posting the Information
During the process, Asif is said to have admitted to regretting posting the fake information. Dept. Inspector Kiswar noted that the repercussions of the fake news are considered “cyber terrorism,” which is why he has been charged with such a thing, the deputy said.
UK Prime Minister Condemned the Violence
People looked to the far right as further aggravating the situation. “I utterly condemn the far right thuggery…” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. He also reassured that those involved, albeit directly or via online means, would “regret taking part” in the disorder.
Police at Risk Too
Police authorities tasked with keeping the peace faced a massive ordeal, and many were hurt in the process of peacekeeping and arrests. According to reports, more than 800 arrests were made in connection with the street violence and unrest.
Cybercrimes Are Real
According to TwentyFour IT, a British IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Company, cybercrime costs the UK economy more than £25 billion a year. They also note that solving or “remedying” a cyber attack can cost anything from £21,000.
Statistics
Online crimes remain high, and as many as 50% of businesses have reported cybercrime attacks against them. Medium businesses reported 70% of cybercrime cases, with small charities an estimated 32% and higher income charities making over £500,000 experiencing 66% of these crimes, according to Gov.UK.
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