An International Cybercriminal Brought to Justice in Singapore-Thailand Operation
In a groundbreaking cross-border operation, authorities successfully apprehended a notorious hacker responsible for a series of international data breaches. The arrest unfolded in Thailand on Wednesday, February 26, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime.
The 39-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was captured as a result of a joint effort between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The operation, which began in 2020, gained momentum after 11 victims in Singapore reported receiving ransom demands from various threat actors operating under aliases such as ALTDOS, DESORDEN, GHOSTR, and 0mid16B.
According to SPF’s official statement, investigations unveiled a disturbing pattern linking these aliases to a single threat actor responsible for a staggering 75 cases worldwide. It was suspected that the cybercriminal exploited vulnerabilities within victims’ networks to infiltrate and steal sensitive data. Moreover, when victims refused to pay the ransom, the stolen data was reportedly put up for sale online.
Authorities from the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) cybercrime command in Singapore collaborated closely with Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to share crucial findings related to the suspected cyber threat actor. The joint effort shed light on the individual behind the aliases, setting the stage for a swift and decisive arrest.
Following the arrest, authorities seized assets totaling over 10 million baht (equivalent to US$295,000), including high-end laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles, and designer bags. The swift and comprehensive action taken by law enforcement underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
In a statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Tay, the commander of SPF’s cybercrime command, emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration in combating cyber threats. He praised the Royal Thai Police for their pivotal role in dismantling the criminal network responsible for the data breaches, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding cyberspace.
As investigations continue to unfold, authorities are working tirelessly to unravel the full extent of the cybercriminal’s activities and bring all accomplices to justice.
### Unraveling the Web of Cyber Intrigue
The alias ALTDOS first surfaced in late 2020 when a securities trading firm in Thailand was the first victim of a data breach, according to a joint advisory by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), and SPF. The cybercriminal targeted businesses across Singapore and Bangladesh, seeking financial gains through illicit means.
In a chilling turn of events, real estate agency OrangeTee & Tie received a ransom demand from ALTDOS in August 2021, demanding 10 Bitcoins in exchange for the safety and non-disclosure of stolen databases. The ransom note also included video evidence of the compromised databases, prompting PDPC to impose a hefty fine of S$37,000 on the agency for lapses that compromised the personal data of over 250,000 individuals.
A subsequent joint advisory shed light on another alias, GHOSTR, which surfaced in August 2023, with a focus on entities in Southeast Asia. Known for stealing, extorting ransom, and selling confidential information, GHOSTR’s activities underscored the pervasive threat posed by cybercriminals operating with impunity across borders.
As authorities continue to investigate these troubling incidents, the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and international cooperation has never been more critical in safeguarding businesses and individuals against malicious cyber activities.
The apprehension of the international cybercriminal in the Singapore-Thailand operation serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect the digital realm from nefarious actors.
