Russian Federal Security Service Disbands Criminal Terrorist Network Operating Through Cell Phones
Cracking Down on Digital Threats: FSB Disrupts Call Center Scam Network
FSB agents take aim at the relentlessKraken: dismantling a call center scam operation providing illegal digital phone connections.
Arsenal of tools for executing fraudulent activities.
The criminals, aiming to destabilize Russia, were considered as genuine terrorists. The operation involved FSB, MVD, and SK Russia.
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"Due to the Moscow, Moscow region, and Vladimir region operations led by FSB, ten Russian citizens who supported so-called SIM-boxes were apprehended. These devices facilitate the usage of numerous illegal SIM cards, employed by call centers for scamming purposes and theft of funds, along with sending false messages regarding terrorist incidents, and by Ukrainian security agencies for orchestrating terrorist acts on Russian soil," the FSB pronounced.
It was observed that these services were also employed by those who instigated terrorist acts via video broadcast in Moscow against generals-commanders Igor Kirillov and Yaroslav Moskalik of the Russian Defense Ministry.
The FSB elucidated that criminal investigations have been initiated against the arrested individuals for charges including "organizing a criminal enterprise or participation," "fraud," "false reporting of a terrorist act," with maximum penalties of 20 years in prison.
Authorities identified a 32-year-old leader of the criminal organization: a Russian national evading capture in the United Arab Emirates and included on the international wanted list.
Insights:- The recent dismantling of the Mamont Android banking trojan operation offers a clear demonstration of how agencies collaborate against cybercrime. The collaboration included digital forensics, Telegram channel monitoring, and device seizures such as servers, computers, and financial tools. [More]- The syndicate employed SMS banking exploitation through malware disguised as fake tracking apps and compromised video files in Telegram channels. Once installed, Mamont enabled real-time fund diversion, harvested credentials, and spread automatically to contacts. [More]- The detainees facing "fraud" and "unauthorized computer access" charges, while terrorism charges aren't explicitly mentioned, suggest a focus on domestic financial cybercrime in Russia. [More]
Citations:[1] "Mamont Android Banking Trojan Takedown by Russian Authorities", BleepingComputer.com
- The seized individuals in Moscow, the Moscow region, and Vladimir region, after being apprehended by FSB, are accused of employing fraudulent devices for scamming purposes, sending false messages, and enabling terrorist acts.
- The FSB announced that ten Russian citizens, who were aiding so-called SIM-boxes, were caught in a diverse operation involving FSB, MVD, and SK Russia.
- The crackdown on digital threats, led by FSB, has focused on dismantling fraudulent call center networks that operate in general-news and crime-and-justice, threatening the stability of Russia.
- The stolen funds, along with the false messages regarding terrorist incidents, were reportedly used by Ukrainian security agencies for orchestrating terrorist acts on Russian soil, adding a political dimension to the crime-and-justice aspect.
