Major Online Banking Fraud Case Unmasked in Finland

Young Suspect Accused of Over 400 Aggravated Frauds

The National Bureau of Investigation and Southwestern Finland Police Department have concluded a major criminal investigation into a series of online banking frauds, with a young suspect in his twenties now in custody.

• The complex case involves accusations of over 400 aggravated means of payment frauds.
• Potential links to wider criminal activities have also been discovered.

Phishing Attacks Targeted S-Bank Customers

The investigation targeted a suspect believed to be responsible for phishing attacks predominantly against S-Bank customers throughout 2022.

• Victims reported losses totaling over one million euros.
• The phishing scams were carried out using fake bank websites.

Warning: Never log into your online bank via links in text messages or unsolicited emails.

Surge in Phishing Scams during Summer 2022

During summer 2022, Southwestern Finland Police noticed a surge in phishing scams against S-Bank customers.

• Preliminary findings indicated that the majority of phishing site servers were located in Moldova.
• Collaboration with Europol and Moldovan authorities further strengthened the investigation.

Suspected Money Laundering Offenses

Suspected money launderers are believed to have been involved in concealing the stolen funds.

• The proceeds of crime were transferred to foreign accounts and converted to cryptocurrency.
• The main suspect also had a role in organizing the laundering of the proceeds of crime.

A Changing Operating Environment

Cybercrime Investigation Team Leader, Detective Sergeant Jami Toivonen of Southwestern Finland Police Department, emphasizes the evolving nature of modern crime.

• Professional and organized criminals challenge traditional methods of combating crime.

Approximately 400 Aggravated Means of Payment Frauds Recorded in 2022

Data from the police reveals that this exceptional case represents a significant portion of the approximately 400 aggravated means of payment frauds recorded in 2022.

Protect Yourself from Online Fraud

Authorities encourage individuals to protect themselves from online fraud by doing the following:

1. Log into your online banks through bookmarks or favorites.
2. Utilize mobile banking applications for an additional layer of security.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect unauthorized access to your online banking codes or notice suspicious transactions, contact your bank as soon as possible, followed by reporting the crime to the police.