Global Cyber Criminal Busted: Singaporean Man Arrested for Hacking Over 70 Organisations
Joint Operation Yields Success
Thai police, in collaboration with Singaporean authorities, have arrested a 39-year-old Singaporean man suspected of carrying out cyber attacks on more than 70 organisations across 12 countries worldwide. The suspect, identified as Chia, was detained in Bangkok on Wednesday following a joint operation.
Extortion Complaint Leads to Arrest
The arrest followed an extortion complaint from a Thai company, which reported receiving threatening messages via the X account "@0mid16b" demanding payment in exchange for withholding stolen customer data. Atip Pongsivapai, commander of Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division, revealed that the police began tracking the hacker’s activities after receiving this complaint.
Hacking Spree Spanned Years
Chia has confessed to hacking into company databases and selling stolen data, Thai police said. According to authorities, he has been involved in more than 70 cyber attacks since 2020, including breaches of 20 companies in Thailand. The stolen data was sold on the dark web, targeting various sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and government.
Seizure of Luxury Items
During the raid, authorities seized a range of luxury items, including gold ornaments and brand-name products worth approximately $300,000. These items were believed to be proceeds of the cyber crimes committed by Chia.
Charges and Investigations Ongoing
Chia has been charged with extortion, unauthorised access to computer systems, and illegal stay in Thailand. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the hacker’s activities and the identity of his accomplices.
Cybersecurity Firm Assists in Case
Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which assisted in the case, revealed that Chia used multiple aliases, including Altdos, Desorden, GhostR, and 0mid16B. The firm also linked him to 13 terabytes of stolen data, which targeted various sectors.
Conclusion
The arrest of Chia marks a significant success in the fight against cybercrime. The joint operation between Thai and Singaporean authorities demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in combating online threats. As cyber attacks continue to pose a significant risk to individuals and organisations, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity firms work together to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the suspect arrested in the cyber attacks?
A: The suspect is a 39-year-old Singaporean man identified as Chia.
Q: How many organisations were targeted by Chia?
A: More than 70 organisations in 12 countries were targeted by Chia.
Q: What was the extent of the stolen data?
A: The stolen data was sold on the dark web, targeting various sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and government.
Q: What was seized during the raid?
A: Authorities seized gold ornaments, luxury items, and brand-name products worth approximately $300,000, believed to be proceeds of the cyber crimes committed by Chia.
Q: Who assisted in the case?
A: Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB assisted in the case, providing valuable insights into Chia’s activities and links to 13 terabytes of stolen data.