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The European law enforcement agency Europol has arrested 10 people for stealing over $100 million worth of cryptocurrencies from celebrities. The hackers come under the part of a global criminal network that carried out serial SIM swapping attacks in the U.S. throughout 2020. The arrests were made in international cooperation from Britain, the US, Belgium, Malta, and Canada, said Europol.
High-Profile Celebrities Targeted in Crypto Theft
On Feb. 9, eight individuals were arrested in an international operation coordinated by Europol. The other two members were arrested previously in Malta and Belgium.
According to Europol, the attackers also targeted high-profile celebrities from online influencers, sports stars, musicians, and their families based in the U.S. The hackers exploited the social media accounts of the victims for posting content and sending messages.
In a press release, the law enforcement agency noted:
The attacks orchestrated by this criminal gang targeted thousands of victims throughout 2020, including famous internet influencers, sports stars, musicians, and their families. The criminals are believed to have stolen from them over USD 100 million in cryptocurrencies after illegally gaining access to their phones.
Europol further highlighted that sim swapping crimes are now identified as a key rising trend in the latest Europol Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment. The enforcement agency, therefore, alerts that anyone with a mobile phone can fall victim to such crimes.
Europol Warns SIM-Swapping Attacks on the Rise
Europol also listed out some precautionary measures to avoid falling as a victim under such crimes including updating the software of mobile devices up to date. The agency also warned on not replying to suspicious emails or engaging with callers that request personal information.
Additional tips include limiting the amount of personal data that are shared online or using two-factor authentication for online services. Europol also advised not to use services that use text messages to help log in to online accounts.
SIM swapping involves taking over victims’ phone numbers and then using cellphone authentication methods for accessing the victims’ apps, banking, or cryptocurrency accounts by changing their passwords.