August 1, 2024 at 01:58PM
The UK’s NCA shut down Russian Coms, a caller ID spoofing platform used by criminals to make over 1.8 million scam calls. The platform operated globally, affecting victims across 107 countries, resulting in tens of millions in financial losses. Three suspects have been arrested and law enforcement agencies worldwide are taking action against users and scammers.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) shut down Russian Coms, a caller ID spoofing platform used by criminals for scam calls, with victims in over 107 countries.
– Russian Coms was established in 2021 and caused tens of millions in financial losses to an estimated 170,000 victims across the U.K. before being shut down in March.
– Hundreds of criminals paid for services using cryptocurrency, with the platform being promoted through social media.
– The NCA arrested three men in London, including the platform’s developers and administrators, after months of intelligence gathering.
– Criminals used Russian Coms to spoof bank phone numbers, gaining victims’ trust before stealing money and personal details. Law enforcement agencies globally are taking action against those who used the platform for fraudulent calls.
– The NCA’s action was part of “Operation Henhouse,” leading to 290 arrests across the U.K.
The NCA’s Director of the National Economic Crime Centre emphasized their commitment to targeting both criminals and the technology they exploit, mentioning that the services also store the users’ data, enabling law enforcement to identify and apprehend the users.