An alleged
Alleged is a term used in legal contexts to describe an accusation or claim that has been made against an individual but has not yet been proven or confirmed. Read Full Definition high-profile cybercriminal, known by the alias ‘Dr Hex,’ has been arrested in Morocco. The capture follows a significant international investigation involving Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate, cybersecurity firm Group-IB, and the Moroccan General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), as reported by Interpol.
The Allegations Against ‘Dr Hex’
The suspect, ‘Dr Hex,’ is accused of orchestrating a range of illicit cyber activities over several years, impacting thousands of victims globally. Key allegations include:
- Phishing and Fraud: Creating and deploying deceptive campaigns to steal sensitive information and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
- Carding Activities: Involvement in credit card fraud, likely obtaining and using stolen credit card details.
- Website Defacement: Altering the appearance and content of numerous websites. Group-IB investigations determined that the suspect was allegedly involved in attacks on at least 134 websites between 2009 and 2018, often leaving his signature name.
- Malware Campaigns: Targeting French-speaking communications companies, multiple banks, and multinational corporations with malicious software.
- Development and Sale of Malicious Tools: ‘Dr Hex’ is also accused of developing and selling “carding and phishing kits” on online forums. These kits, which often impersonated online banking institutions, enabled other individuals to launch their own attacks, steal dataInformation in analog or digital form that can be transmitted or processed. Read Full Definition, and defraud victims.
International Cooperation Leads to Arrest
The successful apprehension of ‘Dr Hex’ underscores the critical role of international collaboration in combating borderless cybercrime. The joint efforts of Interpol, which facilitates global police cooperation, the specialized expertise of private cybersecurity firms like Group-IB, and the diligent work of national law enforcement agencies like the Moroccan Police were pivotal in tracking down and arresting the suspect.
A Reminder for Public Vigilance
In light of such ongoing cyber threats, Interpol continues to urge members of the public, businesses, and organizations to remain vigilant. Protecting against phishing attempts and other online scams is crucial. The public is encouraged to follow the advice provided in Interpol’s awareness campaigns, such as #WashYourCyberHands and #OnlineCrimeIsRealCrime.
Source: Interpol
