Ukrainian Police Disrupt International Phishing Scam, Arrest Over a Dozen Suspects

Coordinated Operation Between Ukrainian and Czech Law Enforcement Agencies

In a joint operation between Ukrainian and Czech law enforcement agencies, over a dozen members of a criminal gang involved in stealing banking information through phishing websites have been arrested. According to reports, the suspects were responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in losses and had targeted victims in Europe.

Phishing Scam Targeted Czech Customers

The criminal gang used phishing links posted on e-commerce sites to trick users into providing payment data. Unsuspecting victims, often Czech citizens, clicked on these links to pay for goods or services. Once they entered their banking information, the scammers stole the funds and converted them to cryptocurrency.

September Raids: Three Organizers and Five Active Participants Arrested

The operation began in September with the arrest of three organizers and five active participants of the gang. During the raids, law enforcement officers confiscated computers, mobile phones, and other evidence that tied the suspects to the scheme.

January Raids: Two Separate Raids Lead to the Arrest of an Organizer and Eight Accomplices

In two separate raids in January, another organizer of the scheme and eight of his accomplices were arrested. During these raids, the police discovered laptops, mobile phones, bank and SIM cards, as well as work records that further implicated the suspects in the scam.

Confession from a Suspect

One of the suspects, who confessed to his involvement in a video released by Ukrainian law enforcement, expressed remorse for his actions. If convicted, the criminals could face up to 12 years in prison.

Previous Collaboration Between Ukrainian and Czech Police

This investigation marks the latest successful collaboration between Ukrainian and Czech law enforcement agencies to disrupt transnational cybercrime. In November, the agencies worked together to dismantle a criminal gang that made millions through fraudulent phone calls, or “vishing.”

The Importance of International Collaboration in Cybersecurity

As the threat of cybercrime continues to evolve, international law enforcement agencies must collaborate and share intelligence to better protect their citizens. By pooling resources and expertise, they can stay one step ahead of nefarious actors.

Author: Daryna Antoniuk, Recorded Future News