Thai Police Detain Singaporean Suspected of Global Cyber Crime
Thai police arrested a Singaporean man, Chia, for cyber attacks on over 70 organizations globally, including 20 in Thailand. He was found extorting a Thai company and admitted to hacking and selling data. Seized items during the raid totaled around $300,000. Chia faces multiple charges including extortion and unauthorized access to computer systems.
Thai authorities have apprehended a 39-year-old Singaporean man, identified as Chia, in connection with global cyber attacks impacting over 70 organizations across a dozen countries. The arrest occurred in Bangkok following a collaborative operation with Singaporean law enforcement officials. Chia is accused of illegally accessing various company databases, stealing sensitive information, and selling this data on the dark web.
The investigation began when a Thai company reported receiving extortion threats through social media, demanding a ransom for the protection of its stolen customer information. According to Atip Pongsivapai, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, this incident prompted the tracking of the suspect’s cyber activities. Chia admitted to hacking into multiple organizations and has a history of at least 70 breaches, with 20 of these occurring in Thailand.
During the raid, authorities seized valuable items including gold ornaments and luxury goods worth approximately $300,000. Charges against Chia include extortion, unauthorized access to computer systems, and illegal residency in Thailand. Assistance from cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which is based in Singapore, revealed that he operated under various aliases and amassed around 13 terabytes of stolen data targeting sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and government.
In summary, the arrest of Singaporean suspect Chia highlights ongoing challenges in global cybersecurity. His activities demonstrate the risks associated with data breaches and the extensive implications of cybercrime, particularly in how sensitive information is handled and protected across borders. The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating such threats.
Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn
