Cybercrime Unveiled: Young Hacker Arrested for Attacks on National and International Organizations
In a significant breakthrough in cybercrime investigations, National Police agents, alongside the Civil Guard, apprehended an 18-year-old man in Calpe, Alicante, on Tuesday. This individual is believed to be involved in a series of cybercrimes, including the discovery and disclosure of secrets, illegal access to computer systems, computer damage, and money laundering. The Spanish Ministry of Interior provided details on Wednesday, outlining the extent of the suspect's alleged activities.
The arrested hacker reportedly orchestrated multiple attacks on the IT services of numerous national and international entities, including governmental organizations and public services. These operations were carried out under various pseudonyms on dark web forums, allowing him to evade identification while taking credit for his malicious acts.
During a search of his residence, authorities seized various computer materials, which are currently under analysis by specialists. Investigators do not discount the possibility of uncovering additional criminal activities linked to the arrested individual. Notably, he maintained over 50 cryptocurrency accounts with diverse crypto assets, indicating a deep understanding of blockchain technology.
The timeline of criminal activity stretches throughout 2024. The young hacker targeted numerous public institutions, universities in Spain, and international organizations, employing an array of pseudonyms to mask his identity. He allegedly accessed sensitive databases containing personal information of employees and clients, as well as internal documents that were later sold or disseminated on dark web forums.
The investigation into his activities began in February of the previous year after a business association in Madrid reported a series of data leaks on a specialized forum. Upon further investigation, police discovered that not only had sensitive information been extracted from affected websites, but there had also been defacement of these sites, with messages indicating successful hacks.
Throughout the year, the cybercriminal continued his assault on a variety of institutions, including high-profile targets like the National Mint and Stamp Factory, the State Public Employment Service, and the Ministry of Education. His attacks extended beyond national borders, affecting international organizations such as NATO, the United Nations, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The final attack occurred at the end of December and targeted databases belonging to the Civil Guard and the Ministry of Defense, prompting a coordinated effort between the National Police and the Civil Guard to apprehend the suspect.
Equipped with in-depth computer science knowledge, the hacker managed to construct an intricate technological framework utilizing anonymous messaging and browsing applications, which significantly impeded efforts to trace his online activities. This arrest not only reflects the growing threat of cybercrime but also underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat such illegal activities across national and international borders.
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