Alleged cyber criminals in Adelaide, Sydney charged over $11 million identity theft
Alleged cyber criminals in Adelaide and Sydney have been accused of stealing more than $11 million by hacking into businesses and modifying payroll, superannuation and credit card details.
The 31-year-old accused man was arrested by the NSW Police Force at a library in Green Square, Sydney. Photo: NSW Police Force
One of them, a 31-year-old man formerly of Adelaide, was arrested at a library in Sydney’s Green Square yesterday, while the other two, a 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were arrested in the Adelaide suburb of Seaton last night.
New South Wales police said more than 80 personal and financial profiles were stolen for the purpose of committing fraud.
They said the 31-year-old committed the crimes in South Australia from early 2019, and then in NSW from August 2019.
He will face 24 fraud-related charges in Newtown Local Court today.
The two Seaton residents will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today charged with money laundering and deception offences.
They were arrested by SA Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Section detectives in a joint investigation with the NSW Cybercrime Squad.
Searches were conducted in the Adelaide suburbs of Brompton, Somerton Park and Seaton, and in Sydney’s Newtown and Erskineville.
Police said they seized mobile phones, computers, electronic equipment, identification documentation, a small amount of drugs and cryptocurrency during the searches.
The 31-year-old man after being arrested at the library. Photo: NSW Police Force
SA Police Cybercrime Investigations Section officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Adam Serafini said the alleged crimes were “sophisticated and complex”.
“Cybercrime and this investigation in particular presented unique challenges for law enforcement who were able to tackle this issue collaboratively with law enforcement and industry partners,” he said.
“This investigation is an excellent example of police working together to ensure that cybercrimes which are committed across our state and territory borders will be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement.”
NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft said it was a timely reminder for individuals and businesses to have strong cybersecurity measures in place.
“Identity information is a valuable commodity on the black market and dark web, and anyone who stores this data needs to ensure it is protected,” Superintendent Craft said.
– ABC
