The police note that the suspect distributed software for both desktop and mobile (Android) operating system.
"To distribute his virus, the hacker created and administered several websites, offering users to download various software for free," reads the police's announcement.
"The suspect launched an entire advertising campaign on the internet to "promote" the controlled web resources."
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- The hacker then sold access to the breached accounts to other cybercriminals over the dark web, arranging payments in Bitcoins after contacting them over the phone using a Russian number.
- The Ukrainian authorities say that the suspect had accomplices for this activity, who maintained darknet accounts.
- Their identities is currently unknown but authorities are looking to learn who they are during the investigation.
- Preliminary details confirmed that the cybercriminal obtained at least $92,000 from his activity, but that figure is likely to be much higher.
- Part 2 of Article 209 (laundering of property obtained by criminal means),
- Part 2 of Article 361 (unauthorized interference with the operation of information systems, electronic communication networks), and
- Part 1 of Article 361-1 (creation for the purpose of illegal use, distribution, or sale of harmful software or technical means, as well as their distribution or sale).
> It is also a good idea to use an ad-blocker that can automatically hide promoted results on Google Search, safeguarding online activities from malvertising threats.
A groundbreaking arrest by Ukraine’s cyber police has put the spotlight on a sophisticated cybercrime operation that targeted bank accounts of users in the United States and Canada, selling their personal financial information on the dark web.
The Mechanism of Cyber Deception
- These websites were aggressively promoted online, drawing in unsuspecting users into downloading the malicious software.
Dark Web Transactions and the Hunt for Accomplices
- According to the authorities, the individual had accomplices who were involved in managing the sales on darknet platforms.
- They are currently being sought by authorities as their identities are not known.
The Legal and Financial Fallout
- The financial gains from this illicit enterprise are estimated to be at least $92,000, though the true extent of the financial damage is likely much greater.
- A raid on the suspect’s home led to the seizure of significant evidence, including a luxury vehicle.
- The individual now faces charges that could result in up to eight years of imprisonment, highlighting the severe consequences of engaging in cybercrime.
Final Word
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age. Users are advised to exercise caution when downloading software, especially from promoted search engine results. Verifying the legitimacy of download sources and using ad-blockers can offer additional layers of protection against such cyber threats.
Anas Hasan
Security News > 2024 > February > Hacker arrested for selling bank accounts of US, Canadian users
Ukraine's cyber police arrested a 31-year-old for running a cybercrime operation that gained access to bank accounts of American and Canadian users and sold it on the dark web.
"To distribute his virus, the hacker created and administered several websites, offering users to download various software for free," reads the police's announcement.
The payloads infected the victims' devices and siphoned sensitive data to the hacker, who used it to hack into the victim's Google accounts and online banking.
The hacker then sold access to the breached accounts to other cybercriminals over the dark web, arranging payments in Bitcoins after contacting them over the phone using a Russian number.
The press release from the police also mentions that the hacker has been active since 2017 and pivoted to phishing in 2021.
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