Romania’s Cyber Outlaws: Online Fraud and Scams Thrive in Eastern Europe’s Tech Haven
A Hotbed of Cybercrime
In a chilling email, hackers threatened to sell sensitive data from the South Pole Research Center unless their demands were met. The message was traced back to an Internet cafe in Bucharest, Romania, where authorities arrested two locals. This is just one of many cases that highlight Romania’s rise as a hotbed of cybercrime.
A Growing Menace
According to law enforcement documents obtained by AP, Romanian hackers have been defrauding consumers and companies for millions of dollars each year through bogus online purchases, extortion, and the release of computer-crippling worms and viruses. The FBI says these young Romanians are exploiting their talents online due to frustration with employment opportunities in their country.
A Lack of Cybercrime Law
Romania’s lack of a cybercrime law until this year made it an attractive haven for hackers. However, a new law enacted earlier this year punishes convicts with up to 15 years in prison, making it one of the harshest in the world. Over 60 Romanians have been arrested in recent joint operations involving international police agencies.
The Dark Side of IT Expertise
Romania’s IT expertise, dating back to the former communist regime, has spawned a dark side: online fraud and scams. Romanian hackers are masters of the scam, offering high-end electronics or goods for sale or auction, then vanishing with payment. The Internet Fraud Complaint Center receives hundreds of complaints daily from defrauded Americans.
A Crackdown on Cybercrime
Romanian authorities have launched a crackdown on cybercrime, but many criminals remain one step ahead of the law. Experts say Romanian police lack the tools, skills, and software to effectively track down hackers. Some scammers even dare to toy with those tracking them, using sophisticated tactics like hacking into online accounts and manipulating computer systems.
Global Implications
The rise of Romanian cyber outlaws has global implications, threatening consumers and companies worldwide. As Romania continues to join the European Union by 2007, authorities are racing against time to address this growing menace.
Key Points:
- Romanian hackers have been defrauding consumers and companies for millions of dollars each year
- A new law enacted earlier this year punishes convicts with up to 15 years in prison
- Over 60 Romanians have been arrested in recent joint operations involving international police agencies
- Romanian authorities lack the tools, skills, and software to effectively track down hackers
- The rise of Romanian cyber outlaws has global implications, threatening consumers and companies worldwide