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Showing posts with label Organized Crime. Show all posts
Platforms
Cyber Security CyberCriminal Europol Ireland Cyber Security Online Crime Organized Crime Platforms

Global Taskforce Dismantles Encrypted Criminal Platform ‘Ghost,’ Leading to 51 Arrests

 

In a major breakthrough, Ireland’s police service, An Garda Síochána, collaborated with Europol and law enforcement from eight other countries to dismantle a sophisticated criminal platform known as ‘Ghost.’ This encrypted platform was widely used for large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and other serious criminal activities. So far, the coordinated operation has led to the arrest of 51 individuals, including 38 in Australia and 11 in Ireland, and is seen as a critical step toward disrupting international organized crime. 

Ghost’s advanced encryption capabilities allowed criminals to communicate without fear of detection, handling approximately 1,000 messages daily. It even featured self-destruct options to erase messages, offering a high level of secrecy for criminal enterprises. During the investigation, Irish authorities seized 42 encrypted devices and over €15 million worth of drugs, such as cocaine, cannabis, and heroin, linking the platform to at least four criminal gangs operating within Ireland. The platform’s dismantling is part of a more extensive, ongoing investigation into organized crime that relies on encrypted communication networks to conduct illegal operations. 

Europol’s executive director, Catherine De Bolle, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in this operation, noting that the joint effort from various countries was crucial in dismantling a system that many criminals considered impenetrable. She stated that such coordinated action demonstrates that law enforcement can penetrate even the most secure networks when they work together. This operation marks a significant achievement in disrupting illegal activities facilitated by encrypted platforms, proving that even the most advanced criminal networks cannot hide from justice. 

Despite this victory, authorities remain cautious, acknowledging that shutting down criminal platforms like Ghost is just one step in the fight against organized crime. Similar cases, such as the resurgence of the LockBit ransomware gang, serve as reminders that criminals often adapt quickly, finding new ways to operate. This operation, however, is a testament to the effectiveness of global cooperation and advanced investigative techniques, sending a strong message to criminal networks that no platform, regardless of its sophistication, is beyond the reach of law enforcement. 

As investigations continue, Europol anticipates more arrests and the unearthing of additional criminal activities associated with Ghost. This case highlights the ongoing need for international collaboration, technological expertise, and persistent efforts to dismantle organized crime networks.
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United Nations
Cyber Fraud Online Scams Organized Crime SE Asia Trafficking UN investigates United Nations

UN Reports: Hundreds of Thousands Coerced into Working in Online Scams


A latest UN investigation reports that hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to Southeast Asia to operate online scams.

Apparently, at least 12,000 individuals from Myanmar and another 100,000 Cambodian nationals have been coerced into working on these scams.

While most victims are said to be from Asia, some are from countries in Africa and Latin America. Despite the fact that the issue has long existed, the UN report represents the first thorough examination of its scope.

The investigation suggests that as a result of pandemic-related closures, millions of individuals were forced to stay at home and spend more time online, making them prime targets for those running online fraud schemes.

After luring the less-educated victims into joining the frauds for quick bucks, cybercrime gangs are now targeting victims with a more professional background (often graduates or post-grads).

The report further noted that the places where the victims are primarily targeted and coerced into joining cybercrime come under a jurisdiction where the governance and laws are comparatively weak, with contested authority. "In continuing to call for justice for those who have been defrauded through online criminality, we must not forget that this complex phenomenon has two sets of victims," said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

According to an estimation made by the UN, these scam centres are generating a revenue of whopping billions of US dollars annually. 

Trafficking for Scams

As described by the victims themselves, they were lured into the ‘jobs’ via advertisements that would assure easy work and magnificent perks, finally luring and tricking them into travelling to Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Once they arrived at their destinations, they were apparently kept hostage and forced into working for online scam centres. The ones who refused to comply were subjected to torture and certain ‘inhuman treatment.’

Some networks also prey on those looking for love romance, in what are known as ‘pig-butchering’ scams. 

In one such tragic incident that occurred last year, a Malaysian man, 25, who had travelled to Bangkok to meet a "girlfriend" with whom he had only communicated online, was killed by torture. 

However, on the contrary, he was trafficked to Myanmar and was forced to work for online scam gangs. In one of his last calls to his parents, he stated he had been beaten up for supposedly fabricating a medical condition. He succumbed to the illness after a month in intensive care. 

According to the UN, existing laws in many Southeast Asian nations frequently fall short of international norms and have "in large part" failed to keep up with the development of internet fraud operations since the pandemic.

Many more cases, according to Pia Oberoi, a senior consultant on migration at the UN Human Rights Office, have gone unreported because the victims experience "stigma and shame" for the task they were forced to perform.

The report further added that a much more appropriate response to the issue should "not merely [involve] addressing organised crime or enforcing border controls, but should provide protection and justice for these victims of trafficking.”

In regards to this, Mr. Türk urged governments to take a firm stance against these criminal networks."All affected states need to summon the political will to strengthen human rights and improve governance and the rule of law, including through serious and sustained efforts to tackle corruption," he said.  

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Organized Crime
Communication Encryption CyberCrime International Cooperation Law Enforcement Organized Crime

Cybercrime Unmasked: Insights from "Inside the Halls of a Cybercrime Business"

Inside the Halls of a Cybercrime Business

Exploring the World of Cybercrime: Insights from "Inside the Halls of a Cybercrime Business"

The world of cybercrime is shrouded in mystery, with many of us left wondering how these criminals operate and how they remain undetected. However, a recent report by cybersecurity experts David Sancho and Mayra Rosario Fuentes titled "Inside the Halls of a Cybercrime Business" provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a cybercrime organization. Let us delve more into the world of cybercrime and explore the insights from this groundbreaking report.

Hierarchy and Organization in Cybercrime

One of the key takeaways from the report is the level of organization and professionalism within the cybercrime organization. The authors note that "these cybercriminals operate like a business, with a clear hierarchy and well-defined roles." The group is comprised of a leadership team, a sales team, and a technical team. This hierarchy enables the group to carry out its illegal activities and generate profits efficiently.

Communication Methods of Cybercriminals

The report also provides insights into the communication methods used by cybercriminals. According to the authors, the group primarily communicates with clients via encrypted chat services, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to monitor their activities. The authors note that "these cybercriminals are highly skilled at remaining anonymous, which makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track them down."

Challenges of Law Enforcement in Combating Cybercrime

Another key takeaway from the report is the challenges law enforcement faces in trying to combat cybercrime. The authors note that "the international nature of cybercrime makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to cooperate and share information." The group investigated by the authors was based in a country that does not have strong cybercrime laws, which made it difficult for law enforcement to take action against them.

Importance of Awareness and Vigilance

The report also highlights the importance of greater awareness and vigilance in the face of the growing threat of cybercrime. The authors note that "individuals and organizations need to be aware of the risks of cybercrime and take steps to protect themselves." This includes implementing strong passwords, regularly updating software, and being cautious of suspicious emails or messages.

The Global Problem of Cybercrime

The report highlights the level of organization and professionalism within cybercrime organizations, which poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. It also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tracking down and prosecuting cybercriminals, particularly in the face of their use of sophisticated communication methods and their ability to remain anonymous. 

As a cybersecurity expert, it is important to be aware of these trends and to take steps to protect oneself and one's organization from the risks of cybercrime, such as implementing strong passwords, regularly updating software, and being cautious of suspicious emails or messages. Additionally, international cooperation and information-sharing are crucial in combating the global problem of cybercrime.

The Cybercrime Economy of 2023

The researchers have classified cybercrime organizations into three categories:
  • The small category comprises organizations with 1-5 staff and affiliates, one management layer, and an annual revenue under $500K.
  • The medium category encompasses organizations with 6-49 staff and affiliates, two management layers, and an annual revenue up to $50M.
  • The large category includes organizations with 50+ staff and affiliates, a few management layers, and an annual revenue of more than $50 million.



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