Security forces have detained employees of Hormuud Telecom in connection with an ongoing dispute related to data privacy concerns.

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Security forces have detained employees of Hormuud Telecom in connection with an ongoing dispute related to data privacy concerns.

Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has arrested three employees from Hormuud Telecom's Tree-piano center in Mogadishu. The arrests took place after the telecom company declined to disclose financial activity details

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Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has arrested three employees from Hormuud Telecom's Tree-piano center in Mogadishu. The arrests took place after the telecom company declined to disclose financial activity details of its customers to the National Intelligence Agency.

In an official statement, Hormuud Telecom, the leading telecommunications company in Somalia, stated, "We refused to share customer information with the Agency, citing Article 8, Paragraph 2 of the National Security and Intelligence Law (Law No. 003), as well as Article 65, Paragraph 2 of the National Telecommunications Law (Law No. 005)." The company accused security forces of engaging in disturbances and abusing their power, emphasizing its intention to respond to these actions within the legal framework.

In response, NISA explained that on December 26, 2023, Hormuud Telecom sought the Agency's assistance due to concerns related to terrorism. Following an investigation, NISA claimed to have found evidence of collaboration and ties to terrorist activities among some of Hormuud's staff members.

"The Agency requested the company to conduct a search on the operation of bank accounts and EVC Plus Service, in accordance with Article 8, Paragraph 3 of the National Security and Intelligence Agency Law. However, the company refused to cooperate, dismissed the accused staff members, and did not respond to the requests," stated the Agency.

NISA accused Hormuud Telecom of violating Law No. 003, Article 48 of the National Intelligence and Security Agency Law, and Law No. 007, Article 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. The Agency clarified that it seeks information and activities solely related to terrorists and not information about Somali citizens at large.

In the previous year, the Somali government closed around 250 accounts linked to militants in four banks and disrupted network and data services for approximately 70 mobile phones used by militants for money transfers.

The arrest of Hormuud Telecom staff members coincides with a series of attacks on the company by unidentified armed individuals. In December of the previous year, a vehicle owned by a Hormuud engineer exploded outside his residence in Mogadishu. This marked the 13th incident targeting employees, vehicles, and facilities of the company since November 7, as reported by BBC Somali. Hormuud Company has stated that it remains unaware of the identity of those targeting the company and its employees.