Cybercrime officers arrest five over alleged hacking

An investigation into alleged cybercrimes led by specialist officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has led to the arrests of five people.

The case relates to the alleged hacking of a Tunbridge Wells-based company in April 2017, which resulted in one of its clients paying £25,000 to a third party after receiving a fraudulent email.

Officers believe access was gained to the firm’s database through malicious software – also known as malware – emailed from a Herne Bay internet address that is also believed to have been hacked.

Warrants were executed at a number of addresses in London, Essex and Dorset on the morning of Thursday 12 October 2017 resulting in the following arrests:

• A 32-year-old woman from Thamesmead, south-east London, on suspicion of an offence under Section 2 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

• A 36-year-old woman from Grays, Essex, on suspicion of money-laundering.

• A 19-year-old woman from Blandford, Dorset, on suspicion of money-laundering.

• A 17-year-old girl from Grays, Essex, on suspicion of money-laundering.

• A 17-year-old boy from Grays, Essex, on suspicion of money-laundering.

The investigation is being led by Kent detectives from the Cybercrime Unit in partnership with officers who specialise in money-laundering offences. Officers from a similar cybercrime team based at Essex Police were also involved in the warrants.

Detective Inspector Jon Faulkner said: ‘There has been a noticeable increase in the number of online offences reported to us in the last few years, which has resulted in the creation of the Cybercrime Unit to respond to this growing threat.

‘We are committed to identifying and investigating digital offences and will disrupt those responsible by making arrests, seizing equipment and bringing prosecutions, no matter where in the UK they may be.’