Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [02.10.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. Thousands of Indians Enslaved in Cyberspace, Tens of Thousands Missing Across Southeast Asia
India is cracking down on cyber slavery, where thousands of Indians are trapped in Southeast Asia, forced to scam others online. The telecom ministry has disconnected 21.7 million mobile connections and blocked 226,000 handsets. An inter-ministerial panel has been formed, involving key government agencies to address this cybercrime.
2. Telangana Cybersecurity Bureau Arrests 27 in Rajasthan for Online Fraud
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) busted an inter-state cybercrime racket operating from Rajasthan, arresting 27 fraudsters involved in over 2,000 cybercrimes nationwide. They opened 29 mule accounts with suspicious transactions of Rs 11.01 crore. The TGCSB seized phones, SIM cards, and ATM cards, with further arrests expected soon.
3. RRU to Train 30 Police Officers as ‘Cyber Commandos’
The Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has launched a six-month cyber commando training program for 30 police officers, including four women. The curriculum covers ethical hacking, digital forensics, cyber laws, cloud computing, and IoT security, emphasizing advanced cybersecurity skills.
4. Uttarakhand Man Facilitated Cyber Scams in China by Activating 20,000 SIM Cards
Uttarakhand Police, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, busted an international cyber fraud racket, arresting the mastermind in Haridwar. The gang sold over 20,000 fraudulently activated SIM cards to cybercriminals across Southeast Asia, enabling fraud exceeding ₹1 crore. Police recovered SIM cards, phones, and biometric devices used in the scam.
ALSO READ: Join The Movement: Registration Open for ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Event by FCRF on October 17
5. 21-Year-Old Jaipur Data Entry Operator Linked to 194 Cybercrime Incidents
Lakkan Arora, a 21-year-old data entry worker from Jaipur, was arrested by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) for involvement in 194 cybercrime cases across India. He managed mule accounts for fraudsters, facilitating ₹11.01 crore in suspicious transactions. The TGCSB arrested 27 individuals, disrupting a nationwide cybercrime network.
INTERNATIONAL
6. UK Imposes Sanctions on Russian Cybercrime Group for NATO Attacks
Britain sanctioned 16 members of the Russian cybercrime gang Evil Corp, accusing them of conducting cyber-attacks against NATO allies on behalf of Russian intelligence. Key figures include leader Maksim Yakubets, connected to Russia’s FSB, and LockBit affiliate Aleksandr Ryzhenkov. The sanctions involve asset freezes and travel bans.
7. International Sting Leads to Arrests of Cybercriminals in West Africa
Eight individuals were arrested in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria as part of INTERPOL’s Operation Contender 2.0, targeting cybercrime in West Africa. A phishing scam in Côte d’Ivoire, linked to USD 1.9 million in fraud, was dismantled. The operation combats cyber threats like phishing, business email compromise, and romance scams.
8. Over 140,000 Credential-Theft Cyber Attacks Fueled by Free Phishing Tools from ‘Sniper Dz’
Over 140,000 phishing websites linked to the PhaaS platform Sniper Dz have surfaced in the past year, enabling large-scale credential theft. The platform offers phishing templates for free, targeting sites like Facebook and PayPal. Sniper Dz also exfiltrates stolen credentials, fueling cybercrime globally through phishing scams.
9. Kenyan Activist Faces Court Amidst Outcry Over Cybercrime Charges
Kenyan lawyer and activist David Morara Kebaso was arrested for alleged cyber-harassment after exposing government corruption and stalled projects online. Accused of defaming businessman David Langat, Kebaso’s arrest sparked public outrage, with activists calling for his release and Amnesty International condemning it as a misuse of justice.
10. UK Post Office Discontinues MoneyGram Services Following Cyber Attack
The Post Office’s contract renewal with MoneyGram was halted due to a recent cyber attack on MoneyGram, disrupting services. While the Post Office proposed a short-term extension to assess the situation, MoneyGram rejected the offer. Negotiations continue as both parties explore options to maintain the partnership.