FYI...
Police arrest Ransomware cybercriminals
- http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs...vity-nabbed-2/
Feb 13, 2013 - "... Trend Micro threat researchers have been studying this scam throughout 2012 and have collaborated very closely with law enforcement authorities in several European countries, especially in Spain. Today, we are very happy to report that the Spanish Police has put the information to good use, and they have just announced in a press conference the arrest of one of the head members of the cybercriminal gang that produces the Ransomware strain known as REVETON. The apparent arrest of this cybercriminal of Russian origin occured in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The law enforcement authorities are working to extradite him to Spain for prosecution. Along with his arrest, the operation included the arrests of 10 other individuals tied to the money laundering component of the gang’s operations, which managed the monetization of the PaySafeCard/UKash vouchers received as payment in the scam. The gang apparently had a branch in Spain that exchanged these vouchers and converted them into actual money, which would then be transferred to the leaders of the gang in Russia..."
- http://news.yahoo.com/spain-busts-ra...201859529.html
Feb 13, 2013 - "... The gang, operating from the Mediterranean resort cities of Benalmadena and Torremolinos, made at least €1 million ($1.35 million) annually... The 27-year-old Russian alleged to be the gang's founder and virus developer was detained in the United Arab Emirates at the request of Spanish police while on vacation and an extradition petition is pending, Martinez said. Six more Russians, two Ukrainians and two Georgians were arrested in Spain last week... Money was also stolen from the victims' accounts via ATMs in Spain, and the gang made daily international money transfers through currency exchanges and call centers to send the funds stolen to Russia. Spanish authorities identified more than 1,200 victims but said the actual number could be much higher. The government's Office of Internet Security received 784,000 visits for advice on how to get rid of the virus. Those arrested face charges of money laundering, participation in a criminal operation and fraud."
- http://h-online.com/-1803788
14 Feb 2013