The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has made three more arrests in relation to an investigation into a money laundering incident connected to a cyberattack on a bank in Malta.
A 33-year-old man was detained on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and theft at Heathrow Airport as he returned to the UK from China. He was questioned by the NCA and has been given bail pending additional questions.
Additionally, two men aged 23 and 24 years old were also arrested on suspicion of similar offences after they handed themselves in to a police station in Belfast. The men are still in custody,
These arrests come after warrants were released in west and north Belfast as part of an investigation into a malware attack on a Maltese bank in February 2019.
The cyberattack enabled criminals to transfer around £800,000 into an account in Belfast. The account was then used to make payments of over £340,000, before the account was blocked.
Money was spent in stores including Harrods and Selfridges and purchased various items including Rolex watches, a Jaguar and an Audi A5.
The attack on the Maltese bank saw a total of €13m stolen and distributed amongst accounts around the world.
NCA Belfast branch commander David Cunningham said, “The focus of our investigation is those suspected of having helped launder the proceeds of this cyber-attack, a large amount of which were funnelled through a bank account here in Belfast.
“It demonstrates how this type of criminality is often international in nature, and how tackling it is a priority for the National Crime Agency and partners, both within the UK and around the world.
“We will continue to work with the Maltese police as our investigation goes forward.”
Two men were also arrested earlier this year. Two mean, aged 22 and 17, were arrested in raids in London and a 39-year-old man was taken into custody in Belfast.
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