Global Fraud Gang Behind Text Message Scams Dismantled by Police

A global fraud gang accused of exploiting a dark web service called LabHost for text message scams has been dismantled by law enforcement agencies across 17 countries.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals worldwide, with 24 arrests made in the UK alone.

The criminal gang used sophisticated technology to send fraudulent text messages to victims, enticing them to make payments to fake online payment or shopping services.

This sophisticated phishing scam targeted victims indiscriminately, particularly preying on younger individuals who are more likely to fall for such schemes due to their familiarity with online platforms.

The illicit activities facilitated by LabHost resulted in the theft of sensitive identity information, including 480,000 card numbers and 64,000 Pin codes, which are referred to as “fullz data” in criminal circles.

Authorities estimate that the LabHost service generated profits of nearly £1 million ($1.25 million).

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens highlighted the prevalence of fraud in today’s digital age, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to employing targeted strategies to combat online fraud.

National Economic Crime Centre director Adrian Searle echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of technology in facilitating large-scale criminal activities.

The successful operation was the culmination of a two-year investigation involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police, National Crime Agency, and City of London Police.

The discovery of the gang’s activities in 2022 by the Cyber Defence Alliance, a group funded by UK financial institutions, underscores the importance of collaboration in effectively combating sophisticated criminal networks.

An official from the Cyber Defence Alliance emphasized the necessity of building a robust network to counter criminal activities effectively, warning of the overwhelming challenges posed by criminal networks without concerted efforts to combat them.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the dismantling of the global fraud gang serves as a strong reminder of the need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against cybercrime.