The FBI is investigating a cybercriminal group known as "the Comm" for their alleged involvement in a series of swatting incidents targeting schools and universities across the United States. Swatting involves making false emergency calls to law enforcement, leading to the deployment of SWAT teams to unsuspecting victims' locations.
According to court records reviewed by Motherboard, the FBI has made at least one arrest related to the group's activities, shedding light on their operations and their impact on innocent individuals.
The Nationwide Swatting Wave
The investigation was triggered when the Ambler Police Department in Pennsylvania alerted the FBI about numerous bomb threats made in the name of a 15-year-old girl, referred to as Victim A in the FBI's
affidavit.
These threats, sent via email, caused significant disruptions to schools and universities, coinciding with graduation ceremonies. Victim A's sister, known as Victim B, informed investigators that the swatting attacks were connected to the Comm group.
The Activities of the Comm Group
According to the complaint, the Comm group utilizes messaging platforms like Discord and Telegram to engage in criminal activities. These include SIM swapping (a technique used to hijack phone numbers), cryptocurrency theft, swatting, and corporate intrusions.
Shockingly, the group has even been linked to real-life acts of violence, such as firebombings, shootings, and kidnappings. A Comm, ACG subgroup has been actively involved in these crimes since at least the summer of 2021.
The Arrest of Braiden Williams
Braiden Williams, an alleged member of the Comm group, was arrested by the FBI in May. He is accused of collaborating with ACG to perform SIM swaps, stealing large sums of money, and laundering the proceeds.
Williams admitted to his involvement in these activities during an interview with FBI agents. He confessed to using the illicit funds to finance extravagant purchases, including luxury cars and a European trip.
Escalation of Harassment
Following his arrest, Williams was released with certain restrictions on his internet access. However, the alleged harassment against Victim A began soon after his release. FBI agents discovered that Williams's phone was actively participating in a Discord call named "ACG MEETING" while he was staying in a halfway house.
The harassment against Victim A intensified, with unsolicited food deliveries, unauthorized access to her online accounts, and acts of vandalism targeting her and her neighbors' homes.
The Impact on Victims
Victim A's ordeal illustrates the distress and fear experienced by those targeted by cybercriminals. Despite her decision to cut off contact with Williams, she was subjected to a relentless campaign of harassment. Threats of violence were against her, further exacerbating her anxiety and safety concerns. These incidents highlight the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to address cybercrime and protect innocent individuals from such attacks.
The FBI's Ongoing Investigation
The perpetrators of these swatting incidents have caused significant disruption and anxiety among educational institutions and communities nationwide. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors diligently work to bring the culprits to justice. The FBI's Kansas City Field Office has been leading the investigation into the Comm group, but they have declined to provide additional information.
The rise of cybercriminal groups like the Comm highlights the evolving nature of crime in the digital age. Their activities, including swatting, SIM swapping, and online fraud, pose significant threats to individuals and organizations.
Law enforcement agencies must continue to combat such crimes, employing technological expertise and collaboration to dismantle these networks. By doing so, they can protect innocent victims and ensure a safer digital environment for everyone.
