Thai police arrested a Singaporean man, Chia, suspected of cyber extortion involving over 70 organizations globally. Detained following an investigation prompted by a complaint from a Thai company, he allegedly hacked into databases to steal and sell sensitive data. Law enforcement seized $300,000 in luxury goods during the operation, and Chia faces serious charges including extortion and unauthorized computer access.
Thai authorities arrested a Singaporean man, identified as Chia, in Bangkok, suspecting him of participating in cyber attacks targeting over 70 organizations across multiple countries. This arrest followed a collaborative operation with Singapore’s law enforcement and was initiated based on a complaint from a Thai company that received an extortion threat demanding payment to prevent the release of stolen customer data.
Chia’s cyber activities included hacking into several company databases, selling sensitive information on the dark web, and he has reportedly confessed to these crimes. Since 2020, he has breached more than 70 organizations, including 20 in Thailand, according to Thai police. His alphabetical aliases such as Altdos and GhostR have been connected to significant data breaches affecting various sectors, including healthcare and finance.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately $300,000 worth of luxury items and gold during a raid on his premises. Chia faces multiple charges, including extortion, unauthorized computer access, and illegally residing in Thailand. The case has been bolstered by the assistance of Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which has tracked his network of illicit activities.
In summary, the arrest of Chia highlights the ongoing challenges posed by cybercriminals operating globally and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing such crimes. The successful tracking and arrest were catalyzed by a complaint from a local business, illuminating the role of vigilance in corporate cybersecurity. Looking forward, the case reinforces the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors to mitigate risks associated with data breaches.
Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn
