Algerian hacker Guedz arrested after 10-year international manhunt for phishing-as-a-service operation
via Algérie3604 min read
An Algerian cybercriminal known as "Guedz," who operated the Phishing-as-a-Service platform SniperDZ, has been arrested by Algerian Police, concluding a nearly decade-long digital manhunt. Guedz's platform, active since 2015 and also known as Joker Dz, Storm Dz, and Spam Dz, provided free, ready-to-use phishing kits, hosting servers, and technical support, enabling thousands of individuals without technical skills to engage in cybercrime. SniperDZ orchestrated the theft of tens of thousands of accounts from major companies like PayPal, Facebook, Netflix, Instagram, and Steam, deploying over 20,000 fraudulent domains and 80 fake homepage templates in five languages. Guedz profited by intercepting stolen data or redirecting victims to other lucrative scams, such as premium SMS subscriptions. The arrest was part of Operation Ramz, an international effort coordinated by Interpol between October 2025 and February 2026, involving 13 countries, leading to 201 arrests, 382 identified suspects, nearly 4,000 recorded victims, and the seizure of 53 servers globally. The investigation gained a crucial lead when Guedz accidentally revealed critical administrative data and personal identifiers in a video tutorial intended for his affiliates. This error allowed investigators to link his Telegram and Facebook accounts to his real identity. Group-IB, a Singaporean cybersecurity firm, initially identified the platform during routine surveillance. The case highlights the effectiveness of public
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Algeria will begin importing sheep from the United States for slaughter, following an agreement between the US Department of Agriculture and the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries. The US Embassy in Algiers announced this development on June 15, marking a new chapter in agricultural relations between the two countries. This decision comes as the price of lamb has reached 3,000 dinars per kilogram in Algerian markets. The move aims to alleviate pressure on red meat prices for consumers, with the government having diversified its supply sources for several months. For Eid al-Adha 2026, Algeria imported one million sheep, primarily from Romania and Ireland, and has also sourced sheep for general butchery from other foreign suppliers to offer more affordable meat. This partnership with the US expands existing agricultural collaborations, including a large-scale project in Adrar where Qatari group Baladna is establishing a farm for 270,000 cows. This project involves importing 30,000 cattle from the United States for its second phase, with an air bridge connecting Adrar to nine US states from November for ten months, involving 109 flights transporting 300 cows per rotation, representing a $635 million investment.
Mohamed El Hadi Hamma, Marketing Director for Henkel Algeria, has been named one of Africa's 100 most influential marketing professionals in the inaugural ACMO 100 ranking. Launched by Brand Africa in March 2026, in partnership with African Business, MiPAD, and the African Media Agency, the ACMO 100 identifies top marketing leaders from over 20 countries across various sectors. Hamma's inclusion is based on his influence, leadership, and measurable strategic impact, rather than an application process. He views this recognition as a testament to the collective effort at Henkel Algeria and a positive signal for Algerian marketing talent. Henkel Algeria, an industrial player for 26 years, manufactures consumer products like Isis, Le Chat, Bref, Pril, and Schwarzkopf Gliss locally, with production units in Reghaïa and Chelghoum Laïd. Hamma emphasizes that the Algerian market is sophisticated and demanding, requiring marketers to be agile and deeply understand local consumers. He highlights Henkel's culture of empowering local talent, providing international exposure, and fostering continuous development through training and shared best practices. Hamma believes that the "Made in Algeria" initiative, exemplified by local production of Schwarzkopf Gliss, reinforces quality standards while building local pride. Looking ahead, he anticipates that artificial intelligence, data, and social media will redefine marketing in Africa, enabling more personalized and responsive strategies. Ha
Algerian higher education has reached a historic milestone with nine universities entering the US News Best Global Universities ranking. The University Djillali Liabès of Sidi Bel Abbès notably secured the 849th position worldwide, placing it among the top 1,000 global universities. This achievement reflects efforts to enhance academic quality and scientific output, based on criteria such as publication impact and international reputation. Concurrently, Algeria has inaugurated an "Emir Abdelkader Chair" at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies OCIS at the University of Oxford, alongside naming a public room the "Algiers Room." This initiative, formalized by Minister Kamel Baddari and OCIS Director Dr. Farhan Nizami, aims to foster multidisciplinary research in humanities, social sciences, literature, philosophy, and interreligious dialogue. The agreement builds on a memorandum signed in October 2021, intensifying Algerian-British cooperation in joint research, language training, and transnational education. The chair will provide Algerian researchers with opportunities to become visiting researchers at Oxford, strengthening Algeria's academic and spiritual influence and offering Oxford a key scientific link to the Maghreb and Africa.