Singaporean Suspected of Global Cyber Attacks Arrested in Thailand

Thai police arrested a Singaporean suspect accused of global cyber attacks impacting over 70 organizations. Following an extortion complaint from a Thai company, the investigation revealed that the suspect, Chia, hacked into company databases, stealing and selling sensitive data. Furthermore, luxury items worth $300,000 were seized during the arrest, and Chia faces several charges regarding unauthorized access to systems and extortion.

On Wednesday, Thai police apprehended a 39-year-old Singaporean man in Bangkok, believed to be involved in cyber attacks affecting over 70 organizations worldwide. This operation was conducted in collaboration with Singaporean authorities. The suspect, identified as Chia, is alleged to have gained unauthorized access to company databases, stolen sensitive data, and subsequently sold this information on the dark web.

The arrest was prompted by an extortion complaint from a Thai company, which reported that they had received threats from the account ‘@0mid16b’, demanding payment to refrain from releasing stolen customer data. Atip Pongsivapai, commander of Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division, indicated that their investigation commenced following this complaint.

Chia reportedly confessed to his involvement in the cyber crimes, and authorities noted that he has breached numerous security systems since 2020, with 20 of these incidents occurring in Thailand. Officials recovered luxury items and gold valued at approximately $300,000 during the operation.

The Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which provided assistance in this case, revealed that Chia operated under numerous aliases, including Altdos and GhostR. He is also linked to a staggering 13 terabytes of stolen data across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and government.

In summary, the arrest of Chia by Thai authorities represents a significant effort to combat cybercrime on a global scale. The suspect’s activities highlight the growing issue of data breaches and extortion in the digital age. Collaborations between international law enforcement agencies are crucial in addressing such threats and ensuring justice. Chia now faces multiple charges relating to his alleged criminal activities, including extortion and unauthorized access to computer systems.

Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn