National Police Agency: Key Member of Global Hacking Group Arrested in International Probe
20:33 JST, October 21, 2023
A key member of the global hacker group calling itself “Ragnar Locker” has been arrested in Europe as part of an international joint investigation involving Japan and 10 other countries, the National Police Agency announced Saturday.
The individual is suspected of producing the malicious ransomware, also known as “Ragnar Locker,’ that targeted critical infrastructure in various countries and committing numerous cybercrimes.
In Japan, the group issued a “statement of responsibility” for an attack on the major video game company CAPCOM CO., LTD. in Osaka in 2020.
The investigation into the group included law enforcement authorities in the United States and the European Police Office, or Europol.
According to the National Police Agency, the man was residing in the Czech Republic when he was arrested by French authorities in Paris on Oct. 16. Authorities in the Netherlands and Sweden seized servers, and also succeeded in shutting down the “leak site” used to expose stolen information.
Since 2020, Japanese police have received reports of damage from several domestic companies, prompting investigations, leading them to join the international probe around October 2021. The National Cyber Unit of the NPA, established last year, conducted server analysis.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
-
U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
-
JAL Airplane Experiences Radio Malfunction During Flight, Lands Safely By Relying on Light Signals
-
Cherry tree falls on man on Sanneizaka steps leading to famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
-
Earthquake in Western Japan a Reminder to Be Ready for the Big One; 14% of People Have Made No Preparations, Survey Says
JN ACCESS RANKING
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’
- JAL Airplane Experiences Radio Malfunction During Flight, Lands Safely By Relying on Light Signals