Joint Europol and Latin American Operation Cracks Down on Phishing Network, Arresting 17

26 Sept

In a coordinated effort, European and Latin American authorities have dismantled a major phishing network that targeted individuals attempting to regain access to their lost or stolen mobile phones. The operation, which involved Europol, Ameripol, and law enforcement agencies from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Spain, resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects. This international crackdown marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime, with Europol confirming that nearly 483,000 victims were affected globally.

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The network operated an automated phishing platform called iServer, which had been active for five years. Unlike typical phishing services, iServer specialized in stealing credentials and personal information to unlock lost or stolen mobile phones. Low-skilled criminals, known as “unlockers,” exploited the platform’s web interface to bypass security features such as ‘Lost Mode’ and gain access to devices through illegally obtained credentials.

iServer's phishing-as-a-service model Source

The crackdown, which took place between September 10 and 24, also resulted in 28 searches and the seizure of 921 items, including mobile phones, electronic devices, vehicles, and weapons. The criminal network primarily targeted Spanish-speaking nationals across Europe, North America, and South America.

Cybersecurity firm Group-IB played a crucial role in aiding law enforcement, providing intelligence that contributed to the success of the operation. Group-IB CEO Dmitry Volkov praised the collaboration between local and international authorities, stating that the arrests have prevented further fraud and safeguarded mobile users worldwide.

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