Menu
13/12/2012
Cyber Criminal Arrests Made
Detectives from the Met Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU) investigating cyber criminals have arrested three people over ransomware .
This is malicious software that is inadvertently downloaded and infects the victim's computer. It dupes computer users into believing they are subject to a police enquiry in an attempt to extort money from them.
Once infected, the computer suddenly stops working and a holding screen, known as a "splash page", is displayed. The splash page features police logos usually including that of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) or the PCeU and purports to be an official notice from these organisations.
It states that the victim's online activities have been monitored by police and that they have been identified as committing offences online. They are instructed to pay a fine - usually £100 by electronic payment - in order for their computer to operate again.
PCeU officers based at the MPS and North West hubs, assisted by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, searched three addresses on 11 December.
They arrested a 34-year-old man and 30-year-old woman from Stoke on Trent on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and possession of items for use in fraud. They arrested a 26-year-old man also from Stoke on Trent on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. All three are currently in custody at a Staffordshire police station.
Detective Inspector Jason Tunn, from the PCeU, said: "The arrests shows we are determined to combat this type of crime. I remind all computer users that police do not use such a method to impose or enforce fines, so if you are confronted by such a page do not enter any of your details. Call police on 101."
(GK)
This is malicious software that is inadvertently downloaded and infects the victim's computer. It dupes computer users into believing they are subject to a police enquiry in an attempt to extort money from them.
Once infected, the computer suddenly stops working and a holding screen, known as a "splash page", is displayed. The splash page features police logos usually including that of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) or the PCeU and purports to be an official notice from these organisations.
It states that the victim's online activities have been monitored by police and that they have been identified as committing offences online. They are instructed to pay a fine - usually £100 by electronic payment - in order for their computer to operate again.
PCeU officers based at the MPS and North West hubs, assisted by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, searched three addresses on 11 December.
They arrested a 34-year-old man and 30-year-old woman from Stoke on Trent on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and possession of items for use in fraud. They arrested a 26-year-old man also from Stoke on Trent on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. All three are currently in custody at a Staffordshire police station.
Detective Inspector Jason Tunn, from the PCeU, said: "The arrests shows we are determined to combat this type of crime. I remind all computer users that police do not use such a method to impose or enforce fines, so if you are confronted by such a page do not enter any of your details. Call police on 101."
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2007
Seven-year-old stabs neighbour
A seven-year-old has stabbed a woman several times following an argument at a neighbours home. The woman had been in an argument with the boy's mother when he stabbed her in the arm, leg and buttock. The victim was treated in hospital for serious, though not life threatening injuries.
Seven-year-old stabs neighbour
A seven-year-old has stabbed a woman several times following an argument at a neighbours home. The woman had been in an argument with the boy's mother when he stabbed her in the arm, leg and buttock. The victim was treated in hospital for serious, though not life threatening injuries.
16 March 2004
Terror attack on London 'inevitable' says Met chief
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens has warned that a terrorist attack on London is "inevitable". Speaking at a joint press conference with London Mayor Ken Livingstone in London's City Hall today, Sir John said that security services had trebled their efforts in an attempt to foil a possible attack.
Terror attack on London 'inevitable' says Met chief
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens has warned that a terrorist attack on London is "inevitable". Speaking at a joint press conference with London Mayor Ken Livingstone in London's City Hall today, Sir John said that security services had trebled their efforts in an attempt to foil a possible attack.
18 November 2009
'Trojan' Computer Virus Arrests
The first arrests in the battle against an online 'Trojan' virus which threatened to compromise thousands of UK computers have been made.
'Trojan' Computer Virus Arrests
The first arrests in the battle against an online 'Trojan' virus which threatened to compromise thousands of UK computers have been made.
10 January 2007
Commons row erupts over foreign offences
Home Secretary John Reid has clashed with the Conservatives over the revelation that fewer than half of the UK criminals who committed serious crimes abroad have had their details entered on the Police National Computer.
Commons row erupts over foreign offences
Home Secretary John Reid has clashed with the Conservatives over the revelation that fewer than half of the UK criminals who committed serious crimes abroad have had their details entered on the Police National Computer.
29 August 2014
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
