Threat Management, Incident Response, TDR

Russia clamps down on financial hackers

Fifty members of a hacker gang alleged to have created malware used to steal millions from Russian banks have been arrested by Russian police.

Over the past year, malware used by the gang enrolled computers in a botnet that was then able to target 18 unidentified banks and government agencies. The amount stolen ranges from $25.5 million to $45 million (USD) in differing accounts. 

The Federal Security Service (FSB) – in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and National Guard troops – made the arrests in 15 regions across the Russian Federation, according to a Bloomberg News report.

Of those arrested, 18 suspects were denied bail and three were placed under house arrest. All were charged with the creation, distribution and use of malicious computer programs.

During the raids, police took possession of computer and communications equipment, bank cards in false names, financial documents and "significant amounts of cash," the FSB said.

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