Reporting Cybercrime via Metrash2 and MOI CID — Qatar
Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Qatar's cybercrime investigator is the MOI Criminal Investigation Department (CID), headquartered at Duhail, Doha. The primary digital channel is the Metrash2 app — Qatar's flagship MOI citizen-services app. The statutory framework is Law No. 14 of 2014 on Combating Cybercrime, amended in 2025 to add Article 8 bis on unauthorised photography (the amendment tightened penalties responding to image-based-abuse cases).
Key provisions: Article 8 — privacy / image-based offences (up to 3 years / QR 100,000); other Articles cover unauthorised access, fraud, identity theft, attacks on critical infrastructure. For content takedown and SIM-related issues, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has operational power over Qatari telecom operators.
When does it apply?
- Online fraud, account takeover, identity theft, blackmail, or sextortion in Qatar.
- An investment / crypto / trading platform operating through Qatari channels.
- Unsolicited messages asking for OTP, banking details, or document copies on behalf of a Qatari entity (QCB, MOI, MOCI, Hukoomi).
- Unauthorised publication of your photograph / video / audio — Cybercrime Law Article 8 explicitly attaches.
- Online harassment or cyberstalking.
Filing a Cybercrime Report in Qatar
- Open Metrash2 and file the cybercrime report. Provide complainant Qatar ID, suspect details if known, nature of offence (cite Cybercrime Law Article), evidence files.
- For in-person filing, visit MOI CID at Duhail, Doha. Bring printed evidence + Qatar ID.
- Cite the applicable Cybercrime Law Article. Article 8 for image-based / privacy offences; check the gazetted Law text for other relevant Articles depending on the specific offence (hacking, fraud, identity theft, terrorism cybercrime).
- For SIM / telecom scams, parallel a complaint to CRA. CRA has operational power over Qatari telecom operators.
- For content takedown, request CRA action. CRA can direct removal of content hosted on Qatari-licensed platforms.
- Cross-reference case numbers on a timeline document — QCB Consumer Protection will ask for them.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't post details on Qatari social media before the official report. Cybercrime Law Article 8 explicitly covers public commentary touching private or family life — even truthful posts can attract prosecution.
- Don't expect a personal investigator for small cases. The report's value is unlocking bank / QCB / civil-court routes.
- Don't pay 'recovery agents' charging upfront fees. All Qatari channels are free.
- Don't ignore Metrash2 follow-up requests. If CID requests additional evidence, respond promptly to keep the case active.
About Scams, Fraud & Money Recovery in Qatar
Qatar's scam-recovery system runs through three institutions. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigates cybercrime under Law No. 14 of 2014 on Combating Cybercrime; complaints are filed through the Metrash2 app (the MOI's flagship citizen-services platform) or in person at the CID headquarters in Duhail, Doha. Article 8 is the main provision for privacy / image-based offences — up to 3 years' imprisonment and QR 100,000 fine for violations of social values or principles via information technology, including unauthorised publication of images. A 2025 amendment added Article 8 bis tightening penalties for unauthorised photography. For the money side, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Consumer Protection oversees bank handling — QCB Consumer Protection lines: 44456412 / 44456456. Qatar's primary consumer-protection statute is Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection.
Emergency: 999 (police, fire, ambulance — unified).
Common Questions
What is the difference between MOI and CRA?
MOI Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is the criminal-investigation authority — handles individual cybercrime victim reports and prosecutes under Cybercrime Law 14/2014. CRA (Communications Regulatory Authority) is the telecom and digital-services regulator — handles operator-side issues including content takedown and SIM-fraud investigations. File with both for the fastest combined response.
Does Cybercrime Law cover content posted from outside Qatar?
The Cybercrime Law applies where the offence has effect in Qatar — content accessible from Qatari networks and targeting Qatari victims falls within MOI CID jurisdiction. Cross-border enforcement depends on mutual legal assistance treaties and Interpol coordination, but the bank-side recovery through QCB operates on your Qatari bank regardless of where the perpetrator sits.
Is there a Qatari helpline for cybercrime?
The MOI's general public-services line is 109; for emergencies dial 999. Cybercrime-specific reporting is primarily via Metrash2 or in-person at CID. The Qatar Central Bank Consumer Protection lines (44456412 / 44456456) handle banking-side complaints.
What does the 2025 Article 8 bis amendment change?
The 2025 amendment to Cybercrime Law 14/2014 added Article 8 bis, tightening penalties for unauthorised photography. Confirm the gazetted text via Al Meezan or the Qatari Official Gazette for the exact wording and effective date of the new provision when relying on it operationally.
What is the reporting cybercrime via metrash2 and moi cid right in Qatar?
Qatar's cybercrime investigator is the MOI Criminal Investigation Department (CID), headquartered at Duhail, Doha. The primary digital channel is the Metrash2 app — Qatar's flagship MOI citizen-services app. The statutory framework is Law No. 14 of 2014 on Combating Cybercrime, amended in 2025 to add Article 8 bis on unauthorised photography (the amendment tightened penalties responding to image-based-abuse cases).Key provisions: Article 8 — privacy / image-based offences (up to 3 years / QR 100,000); other Articles cover unauthorised access, fraud, identity theft, attacks on critical infrastr...
When does it apply — reporting cybercrime via metrash2 and moi cid?
Online fraud, account takeover, identity theft, blackmail, or sextortion in Qatar.An investment / crypto / trading platform operating through Qatari channels.Unsolicited messages asking for OTP, banking details, or document copies on behalf of a Qatari entity (QCB, MOI, MOCI, Hukoomi).Unauthorised publication of your photograph / video / audio — Cybercrime Law Article 8 explicitly attaches.Online harassment or cyberstalking.
How do I report a cybercrime in Qatar?
Open Metrash2 and file the cybercrime report. Provide complainant Qatar ID, suspect details if known, nature of offence (cite Cybercrime Law Article), evidence files.For in-person filing, visit MOI CID at Duhail, Doha. Bring printed evidence + Qatar ID.Cite the applicable Cybercrime Law Article. Article 8 for image-based / privacy offences; check the gazetted Law text for other relevant Articles depending on the specific offence (hacking, fraud, identity theft, terrorism cybercrime).For SIM / telecom scams, parallel a complaint to CRA. CRA has operational power over Qatari telecom operators.Fo...
What should you NOT do — reporting cybercrime via metrash2 and moi cid?
Don't post details on Qatari social media before the official report. Cybercrime Law Article 8 explicitly covers public commentary touching private or family life — even truthful posts can attract prosecution.Don't expect a personal investigator for small cases. The report's value is unlocking bank / QCB / civil-court routes.Don't pay 'recovery agents' charging upfront fees. All Qatari channels are free.Don't ignore Metrash2 follow-up requests. If CID requests additional evidence, respond promptly to keep the case active.