The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading—and stay safe.
1. Five Crime Syndicate Members Arrested in Odisha for Operating Mule Bank Accounts
Odisha police arrested five members of a crime syndicate accused of running mule bank accounts to launder money from cyber frauds. Officials said the accused rented or created accounts for fraudsters, enabling large-scale financial crimes. Investigations are ongoing to trace additional syndicate members and recover victims’ stolen funds.
2. Poultry Farm Owner Held for Renting Bank Account to Cybercriminals
A poultry farm owner was arrested for allowing cybercriminals to use his bank account for illegal transactions. Police said he rented the account for commission, helping fraudsters launder money from scams. The case highlights how ordinary individuals are being lured into aiding cybercrime through mule accounts. Investigations are underway.
India to Honour Top CISOs from Police, Law Enforcement, and Defence Forces
3. Chandigarh Resident Duped of ₹32 Lakh in Online Investment Scam, FIR Filed
A Chandigarh resident lost ₹32 lakh in an online investment scam promising high returns. Fraudsters tricked the victim into making multiple transfers before disappearing. An FIR has been registered at the cybercrime police station. Authorities are probing links to organized networks and warned citizens against unverified online investment platforms.
4. Private Firm Employee Loses ₹72 Lakh, Months After Falling Victim to ₹71 Lakh Cyber Fraud
A private firm employee reported losing ₹72 lakh in a fresh cyber fraud case, just months after previously losing ₹71 lakh in a similar scam. Police said the victim was lured with false trading opportunities. Investigators are probing how fraudsters repeatedly targeted him despite prior complaints and warnings.
5. Three Arrested in Connection with ₹1.52 Crore Fraud Case
Police arrested three individuals accused of orchestrating a ₹1.52 crore fraud. Authorities allege the suspects used forged documents and fake accounts to siphon money from victims. Electronic devices and incriminating records were seized. The arrests mark progress in dismantling the racket, with investigators tracking other accomplices still at large.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Infostealer Malware Fuels Rising Cartelisation in Global Cybercrime
Cybersecurity experts warn that the growing use of infostealer malware is driving cartelisation in the cybercrime world. Hackers increasingly collaborate, sharing stolen credentials and tools on underground markets. This trend strengthens organized crime networks and complicates law enforcement efforts to dismantle interconnected groups behind global identity theft and fraud.
7. Ransomware Hackers Exploited Systems, Discovered Recovery Codes Stored in Plaintext
Researchers revealed ransomware gangs broke into corporate systems and found critical recovery codes stored in plaintext, making data restoration impossible without payment. The discovery underscores poor cybersecurity practices and highlights how negligence in protecting recovery assets can amplify the impact of ransomware attacks on businesses and critical infrastructure worldwide.
8. UK ICO: Students Responsible for Majority of School Data Breaches
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reported that students were behind most school data breaches. Many incidents stemmed from curiosity-driven snooping, weak security practices, and unauthorized access to systems. Authorities warned schools to strengthen cybersecurity training and implement tighter controls to protect sensitive student and staff information from misuse.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
9. Insider Implicated in FinWise Data Breach Impacting Nearly 700,000 Accounts
Investigators found an insider was responsible for the FinWise data breach that compromised nearly 700,000 customer accounts. Authorities said the insider misused privileged access to leak sensitive data, including personal and financial information. The case highlights the growing threat of insider risks to corporate cybersecurity and customer trust.
10. Europol Adds Spanish Academic to Most Wanted List for Aiding Pro-Russian Hackers
Europol has added a Spanish academic to its most wanted list, accusing him of aiding pro-Russian hackers in cyber operations against European targets. Officials allege he provided technical expertise and cover for disinformation campaigns. The move underscores international efforts to crack down on cyber collaborators supporting hostile state actors.