Four people have been arrested in relation to the cyber attacks that targeted Co-op, M&S and Harrods, leaving shelves empty for weeks.
A 17-year-old British male from the West Midlands, a 19-year old Latvian male from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old British male from London and a 20-year-old British woman from Staffordshire were arrested this morning (10 July), reported The National Crime Agency (NCA).
They were apprehended on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, blackmail, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
All four were arrested at their home addresses and had their electronic devices seized for digital forensic analysis.
They remain in custody for questioning by officers from the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit in relation to the three attacks on Co-op, M&S and Harrods that took place in April, said NCA.
The cyberattack “cribbled” Co-ops’ availability across stores, reported our sister title, The Grocer. M&S, meanwhile, is still picking up the pieces with the attack said to cost the retailer £300m.
The arrests mark a “significant step” in the NCA’s ongoing investigation, said Paul Foster, head of NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit.
“Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the Agency’s highest priorities.
“Cyber attacks can be hugely disruptive for businesses and I’d like to thank M&S, Co-op and Harrods for their support to our investigations.
“Hopefully this signals to future victims the importance of seeking support and engaging with law enforcement as part of the reporting process. The NCA and policing are here to help.”
The operation was supported by officers from the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.
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