Police in Souk Ahras have dismantled an organized crime ring that defrauded university students and researchers online. Operating since October 2025 via a Facebook page called the "Academic Center for Researcher Support," the suspects falsely promised academic services and research publications. Victims were lured into transferring money to third-party postal accounts via WhatsApp. Digital forensics uncovered that the gang laundered the proceeds by converting them into virtual assets. The operation led to the identification of 35 victims and the seizure of various electronic devices. The suspects now face charges including fraud via electronic means, money laundering, and illegal use of virtual assets. They have been remanded in custody by the prosecutor at the Taoura court.