#OrganizedCrime

Helpline for Yakuza victims fears it leaked their personal info

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November 22, 2024 at 12:32AM The Kumamoto Prefecture Violence Prevention Movement Promotion Center apologized after a phishing incident potentially exposed personal information of 2,500 individuals seeking assistance against organized crime. The agency emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in its counseling services and is notifying affected individuals while urging caution against potential scams. **Meeting Notes Takeaways:** … Read more

Southeast Asian Cybercrime Profits Fuel Shadow Economy

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October 14, 2024 at 09:05PM Southeast Asia faces a growing shadow economy driven by cyber-enabled fraud and organized crime, generating $27-$37 billion annually. Criminal syndicates exploit lax laws and geopolitical tensions, advancing money laundering and human trafficking. Despite law enforcement efforts, innovation in cybercrime outpaces government response, posing significant economic and human rights challenges. ### … Read more

Europol takes down “Ghost” encrypted messaging platform used for crime

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September 18, 2024 at 05:08PM Law enforcement from nine countries, including Europol, successfully dismantled the encrypted communications platform “Ghost,” disrupting organized crime activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering. Based on the meeting notes, it seems that Europol and law enforcement from nine countries collaborated to dismantle an encrypted communications platform named “Ghost.” This … Read more

Cops across the world arrest 51 in orchestrated takedown of Ghost crime platform

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September 18, 2024 at 08:21AM Australian national Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, was named as the alleged mastermind behind the Ghost platform. The platform, similar to EncroChat, was used by various criminals for illegal activities. The arrest was part of a global effort involving law enforcement agencies from nine territories. The operation aimed to dismantle … Read more

Fighting Back Against Multi-Staged Ransomware Attacks Crippling Businesses

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August 6, 2024 at 09:42AM Ransomware attacks have evolved from indiscriminate victims to targeted, multi-staged attacks. Attackers infiltrate organizations, eavesdrop on emails, and exfiltrate critical data before encrypting computers and demanding a ransom. This modern method renders traditional recovery systems useless. Ransomware has become organized, with syndicates offering ransomware-as-a-service and state-sponsored attackers joining in. Organizations … Read more

West African Crime Syndicate Taken Down by Interpol Operation

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July 17, 2024 at 02:35PM Operation Jackal III, a global law enforcement campaign targeting West African crime groups for online financial fraud, led to 300 arrests, identified 400 suspects, and blocked access to 700 bank accounts. Assets totaling $3 million were seized, weakening the influence of syndicates like Black Axe involved in cyberfraud, human trafficking, … Read more

Interpol Arrests 300 People in a Global Crackdown on West African Crime Groups Across 5 Continents

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July 17, 2024 at 09:00AM Interpol’s Operation Jackal III targeted West African criminal networks and resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals, seizure of $3 million, and the freezing of 720 bank accounts. The operation aimed to combat online financial fraud and syndicates operating globally. Notably, the Black Axe group, involved in various criminal activities, … Read more

Organized crime and domestic violence perps are big buyers of tracking devices

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June 25, 2024 at 11:48PM Australian study by the Crime Commission in New South Wales reveals that high purchasers of tracking devices are linked to organized crime and domestic violence. The study involved 5,163 trackers and identified connections to serious crimes, domestic violence, and the emergence of contract crews for violent tasks. Recommendations include tighter … Read more

LockBit extorted billions of dollars from victims, fresh leaks suggest

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February 23, 2024 at 05:42PM Authorities believe that the ransomware group LockBit could have generated over $1 billion in ransom fees over its four-year lifespan. Analysis revealed around £100 million in cryptocurrency, with most payments coming from affiliates paid by victims. With over 2,000 victims, the actual sum extorted may be in the billions. LockBit’s … Read more

China’s gambling crackdown spawned wave of illegal online casinos and crypto-crime in Asia

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January 15, 2024 at 10:33PM Global crime networks are utilizing autonomous territories in Southeast Asia to establish physical and online casinos, leading to a surge in money laundering, cyberfraud, and organized crime. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted this accelerating threat and emphasized the involvement of criminal groups in illegal online … Read more