Trio accused of hacking email and Instagram accounts face up to 15 years in prison if convicted

The Cyber Police of Ukraine have made a significant breakthrough in cybercrime enforcement by apprehending three individuals implicated in the hijacking of over 100 million email and Instagram accounts globally. The suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 40, are believed to be key members of an organized criminal network operating across Ukraine. They now potentially face up to 15 years behind bars for their actions.

Authorities disclosed that the hijacked accounts were compromised through brute-force attacks, a method that relies on guessing login credentials through trial and error. Under the guidance of a group leader, the hacking assignments were distributed among the members, showcasing a high level of organization within the group.

The stolen credentials were not only exploited by the group for financial gain by selling them on dark web forums but were also used by other cybercriminals to carry out various fraudulent activities. These activities ranged from scams appealing for urgent money transfers from the victims’ contacts to more sophisticated schemes.

In response to these attacks, the Ukrainian Cyber Police advised the public on preventative measures, including the activation of two-factor authentication and the creation of strong, complex passwords.

The operation led to seven searches in key Ukrainian cities, resulting in the seizure of 70 computers, 14 mobile phones, bank cards, and over $3,000 in cash. This crackdown underscores Ukraine’s commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting digital assets and personal information on a global scale.

The incident coincides with a guilty plea by a U.S. national for hacking more than a dozen entities in the U.S. and stealing the personal information of over 132,000 individuals. Scheduled for sentencing on June 18, 2024, the accused, Robert Purbeck, faces federal charges of computer fraud and abuse, with an agreement to pay over $1 million in restitution to the 19 victims affected by his crimes.

As cybercrime continues to pose significant threats worldwide, these developments highlight the importance of international cooperation and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital spaces.