27-year-old man arrested in Malta in international operation against cybercrime
Daniel Meli was arrested in Malta in connection with the sale of malicious software that allowed remote access to victims' computers.
27-year-old man arrested in Malta in international operation against cybercrime
A young man aged 27 was detained in Malta after being notified that he had been taking part in criminal activity on the internet affecting people in Australia and beyond.
The person under investigation, identified as Daniel Meli, was arrested on the island on 7 February. The operation was the result of cooperation between various police bodies, including the Australian Federal Authorities, the American FBI, and Europol.
The charges state that Meli was selling and teaching how to use 'Warzone', a type of programme that allows someone else to take control of a computer without the owner knowing. After a victim installs this programme, the criminals could see their files, record what they typed on the keyboard, steal usernames and passwords, and even watch through the computer's camera.
Investigators say Meli was active on online forums where criminals meet since 2012. He offered not only the programme itself, but also material to teach how to use it, including digital books.
The sale was made through subscription, with prices starting from A$25 per month. The Australian authorities had already identified this programme as a major risk in 2020, and the information they gathered led to the arrest.
"For a few dollars, people with malicious intentions could buy tools that give them access to the private lives of innocent victims," said AFP commander Chris Goldsmid.
At the same time, another man aged 31 from Nigeria, Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, was also detained. He is allegedly been offering assistance to clients who bought and used the Warzone programme from 2019 onwards.
Officials emphasised that this is not the final phase of the investigation. "Because these criminals do not respect borders, law enforcement forces must work together," Goldsmid added. "We will continue to work with our partners to catch everyone who bought this programme."
The American authorities in the Georgia district are seeking to have Meli transferred to the United States to face legal proceedings there.
Source: The Guardian
Source: The Guardian