Manchester man arrested in Europe-wide investigation into ransomware network
Summary
A 25-year-old man in Manchester was arrested on suspicion of acting as a negotiator for the KillSec ransomware group. The international Operation KillSwitch also led to arrests and seizures across four countries.
Key points
- The Manchester suspect is accused of negotiating between KillSec and its victims and was due to face an extradition hearing.
- Operation KillSwitch is led by German authorities and concerns around 1,000 suspected attacks worldwide, including 28 victim companies in the UK.
- Police said the operation targeted suspected members of the alleged criminal gang and infrastructure linked to KillSec.
- Three suspects were arrested during searches at eight properties in Greece, Romania, Spain and the UK; evidence and assets were seized.
- Those detained reportedly include a suspected KillSec administrator and principal operator, and an alleged developer.
- Law-enforcement agencies from nine countries took part, with support from Europol, Eurojust and US authorities.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Coordinated international law enforcement operation targeting a suspected ransomware extortion network
- Impact
- Police reported three arrests and the seizure of evidence, assets, and infrastructure linked to KillSec. The investigation concerns around 1,000 suspected attacks worldwide, including 28 victim companies in the UK.