A 43-year-old Italian-Australian man, one of the FBI’s most wanted hackers, was apprehended at Milan’s Malpensa Airport after evading capture for over three years.
The arrest, carried out by Milan State Police officers, marks a significant victory in the global fight against cybercrime.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, is alleged to be a key figure in a sophisticated computer fraud scheme that amassed an astounding $31 million.
The U.S. District Court of North Carolina issued an arrest warrant, accusing him of participating in a criminal conspiracy involving computer fraud, damaging protected computer systems, and money laundering.
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The FBI recognized the international nature of the case and sought assistance from Italian authorities through the Service for International Police Cooperation.
The agency’s cyber specialist at the Italian Embassy in Washington played a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration.
The Postal Police of Milan, working with the Border Police Office of Malpensa, executed a swift and precise operation.
Within hours of receiving intelligence about the suspect’s travel plans, they identified him on a flight from Singapore and apprehended him upon landing.
The scam allegedly perpetrated by the suspect and his associates targeted vulnerable internet users, particularly the elderly.
Victims’ computers would display a message claiming their system was “compromised” and blocked due to an error.
Users were then directed to contact a fake call center for urgent technical assistance to prevent data loss and system deactivation. Upon calling, victims were coerced into making payments for non-existent technical support.
During the arrest, the suspect possessed several thousand euros in cash, multiple computer devices, credit cards, and two high-value watches. These items may serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
According to the Ansa report, the severity of the charges is reflected in the potential punishment under U.S. law, which stipulates a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment when the crime involves at least ten victims over 55.
Currently held in Busto Arsizio prison near Varese, the suspect awaits extradition to the United States for trial.
This arrest follows a similar operation in July, where Italian authorities apprehended another FBI-wanted cybercriminal.
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